Thursday, November 27, 2014

The Heart of the Matter



 “Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 106:1
Let me start by saying, I am thankful. Like you, I have been blessed in countless ways. 

Lately, however, it’s been tough to be grateful.  It seems as though each new day brings a new unfortunate circumstance or situation; the stress compounds and doubles with interest.  The number one stressor on the list is, of course, my husband’s impending employment.  This has been followed by a serious of financial stressors: inexplicable plumbing and electrical issues that have resulted in a parade of servicemen, leaving no answers, only their invoices on the table; car repairs for both of the kids’ vehicles; hefty textbook tabs for both of the collegiate scholars in the family; and of course, the Christmas gift-glut is upon us.  And that’s just finances. I could keep going about work and other issues, but I think you get the idea. You can probably relate.

Ugh. Even as I read the list, I am annoyed with myself.  Like I have it any worse than anyone else? If there is anything I can’t stand in the world, it’s a whiner.

And yet, I am being honest here.  As much as I pray over the situation, and as much as I trust that God will see us through the storm, these are the concerns that are on my mind. These are the thoughts that wake me up at 3 am. And as shameful as it is to admit, these are the worries that I let hijack my emotions and spiritual life.  

“Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

Along with the brain, the heart is one of the most important organs in the body.  It is literally the life-blood of the body as it pumps the oxygen-rich liquid to all the other parts.  Since heart disease runs in my family, it is in my best interest to keep my ticker in good, running order through diet and exercise. If I take care of the inside, it will impact what happens on the outside. 

This same concept is, in fact, true of every aspect of our lives – from home appliances and automobiles to families and church to our mental, emotional and spiritual lives.  If you want your car to continue to run smoothly, you have to change the oil.  When a warning light illuminates, you need to investigate the problem and fix it.  Likewise, when you feel sad or depressed, that’s a warning light that needs investigation and servicing.

The reality of the world is that the physical world is destructive. Moisture leads to rust, which destroys water heaters.  Glass on the road will ultimately pop a tire.  Our bodies age; ultimately, they wear out, and we die. Criticism is like acid that can eat away a person’s self-concept.  And of course, worry and anxiety corrode and weaken the most important relationship in the world. Faith and fear cannot co-exist.  It’s either one or the other. 

 “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10

Maintaining an intimate, not just a close, relationship with God is imperative. If my eyes are completely on Him and my ears hear only His voice, everything else melts away.  

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2.

When we take care of everything on the inside and make sure it is healthy and running smoothly (as in our relationship with God), it is a bulwark as outside forces close in. It is an impenetrable wall that worry and anxiety cannot scale. 

Now that’s something for which to be thankful today. 

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