May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14
I remember my friend Sandra once posting on Facebook that she had chosen a Bible verse to focus on for the year. I thought that was a great idea - for her anyway. I'm not that great at focusing on things in The Land Beyond The End Of My Nose. This year is different, though. I know that I will have to focus on Godly things in order to survive. It has just gotten to that point.
I thought about finding a verse that would help me, but only me. Of course, the thought that followed that is that is not how God works. He is not wanting Carolyn to focus on Carolyn. He is wanting me to focus on Him and those He has called me to serve. And I will have the opportunity to serve this year, for sure.
Just to fill you in a bit: my sister, her husband, and their four large dogs are moving in with us in about four days. They have never fully recovered financially from her getting laid off (he is on disability). They need to "move home" and I am blessed that my house is considered home. Anyone who has known me for a long time knows how amazing that is. Nobody ever really thought I would be able to provide for myself, much less for others. God has worked miracles in my life again. And so I will be able to serve my sister and her husband, for His sake.
Also, my relationship with my father has become quite tense, so much so that my husband has wanted to intervene, but I have asked him to hold back for a little longer. There is only so much, though, that my husband will allow me to take before he puts a stop to it. It is a tightrope walk sometimes to protect myself from being hurt while honoring my father. There are some days when I actually resent that commandment, but I try to let that go because I know God has my best interests at heart. Honoring someone who is not being honorable develops character, and I could use some of that.
With all of this family upheaval in mind, I decided that I might not need just one Bible verse this year. So I found four verses that encompass what I need to be focusing on in the coming months.
I thought about finding a verse that would help me, but only me. Of course, the thought that followed that is that is not how God works. He is not wanting Carolyn to focus on Carolyn. He is wanting me to focus on Him and those He has called me to serve. And I will have the opportunity to serve this year, for sure.
Just to fill you in a bit: my sister, her husband, and their four large dogs are moving in with us in about four days. They have never fully recovered financially from her getting laid off (he is on disability). They need to "move home" and I am blessed that my house is considered home. Anyone who has known me for a long time knows how amazing that is. Nobody ever really thought I would be able to provide for myself, much less for others. God has worked miracles in my life again. And so I will be able to serve my sister and her husband, for His sake.
Also, my relationship with my father has become quite tense, so much so that my husband has wanted to intervene, but I have asked him to hold back for a little longer. There is only so much, though, that my husband will allow me to take before he puts a stop to it. It is a tightrope walk sometimes to protect myself from being hurt while honoring my father. There are some days when I actually resent that commandment, but I try to let that go because I know God has my best interests at heart. Honoring someone who is not being honorable develops character, and I could use some of that.
With all of this family upheaval in mind, I decided that I might not need just one Bible verse this year. So I found four verses that encompass what I need to be focusing on in the coming months.
8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:8-11
I hope to make these verses the meditation of my heart this year. I am not experienced at this, so feel free to prod me along. There will never be too many reminders to focus on God's word.
Do you have a piece of scripture or a thought that you will be focusing on this year? Please share with us.
Do you have a piece of scripture or a thought that you will be focusing on this year? Please share with us.
Psalm 19 was my Dad's favorite and the one we printed on the handout for his memorial service. The start of the Psalm, "The heavens declare the glory of God," resonated with his years in the space program, and the verse you quote at the end of the Psalm was often the close of his prayers at the dinner table. May God bless us this year as we miss the family that is no longer with us and love the family that remains.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, That is a beautiful passage you have selected and meditating on it will undoubtedly help you as you navigate the rough waters ahead. But in the midst of all that navigating, don't forget that God wants you to be whole and healthy. And sometimes - not saying always, here! - but sometimes, our husbands can see when we need help to be healthy. My husband has been my biggest supporter in many, many ways. But he has also had the courage to cry 'uncle' when I've said 'yes' to too many people, too many commitments. So listen to each other with love, and together, make the best decision for your entire household. Praying for you as I walk each evening.
ReplyDeletelove these. and praying for you through all the changes.
ReplyDeleteI am reading through Beth Moore's Praying God's Word and have been overwhelmed with the number of scriptures that I need to survive! :)
ReplyDelete