Day 174 Just Thinking

 

6/23/2025

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; 

You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of

my enemies, and Your righteous right hand will save me.

The Lord will perfect that which concerns me, Your mercy,

O LORD, endures forever; do not forsake the works of Your hands."  

Psalm 138:7-8 

 

I have decided that regardless of what happens today, I want to begin my days as I used to do, silently, waiting, and listening. Sometimes when I open my eyes I am greeted by an impatient cat either sitting at my door or Alex, scratching at my window. I've been waking earlier lately, probably because I am forcing myself to go to bed earlier, even if alarms are going off. Maybe I'll be able to snag a cup of coffee before the creatures sense my presence. We'll see how that goes.

Quiet time passed quickly, as prayer calls come early, and I am beginning to think about that as possibly a distraction. I can always catch it later, if I miss it, or if I am directed otherwise. As I write these words, I'm listening to a song based on scripture, "teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom...." I'm learning that although I love walking through the word each day, as I read it each year book by book, it is not a failure or sin if I get behind, because God has other plans. With everything that happens in our nation daily, and since I have daily prayer calls for Israel, and I am very committed to intercession, I need to listen and remain calm, and seek God's wisdom above man's. I do well with that, but honestly, I have been irritated about some things lately. Just little things people say without thinking, because we need to guard what we say. We are each responsible for what we do and say in this life. None are perfect, we make mistakes, but we seek forgiveness, and we go on. Unforgiveness and anger are two powerful and evil demonic entities that are destructive to a person's character and health. So much healing is needed in this world. But Jesus can died to set us free, and as His, we need to call on Him to help.

My refrigerator is covered with magnets, many with sayings or words of encouragement. I was looking at one this evening when I went to grab some water, and it was a picture of a little girl playing in the yard with her dog. They had obviously been playing, and she was squatting beside him as he laid on his back, petting his belly. He was thrilled with the attention and love. The message read: "We make a living by what we get...we make a life by what we give." That's definitely a sentiment worth thinking about. I love to give, so this is probably why I chose this particular magnet. It used to think that I could give more to people if I made more money, especially now, because being retired I don't have the same resources. But one day, as I was thinking about something Abba said to me a long time ago, I began to think about things in a different light. I may have mentioned this recently, so I'll leave it open for consideration. 

I received a phone call from a friend I'd not spoken to in a while, who said she'd been thinking about me for a couple of weeks, so she thought she'd call. We had a nice long phone visit, and shared some things, discovering that we still are being led by the Lord in similar ways. At least we understand each other without having to say very much. That's always good, because, as I've shared, I tend to think too fast, and it frustrates others when I'm finished a thought, and they are still at the beginning of the conversation. It's hard to "fit" in sometimes. So this was good for me, and I hope it was reciprocal.

The day is done, the hour is late, and the bugs are attracted to the lights. May tomorrow bring all who read this blog blessings beyond your wildest imaginings.