Search and Rescue…
Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.
Ever had one of those days when YOU KNOW something is just not right? When YOU KNOW something is wrong?
Today is one of THOSE days for me. I know (something) IS wrong. I just don’t know the WHAT the something is!
Yesterday was fine… I was even bragging (oh, oh, maybe???) that physical therapy was going great – my plans were taking shape for an office downstairs – yes, it is hot in Texas, BUT still and all, I am content. I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13
So, Mary, what gives? What is this overall heaviness I have had on my shoulders since I SLOWLY and CAUTIOUSLY got out of bed this morning?
Could it be… the air conditioner’s thermostat is off line and cannot be accessed?
Could it be… the ants have scheduled a parade around my kitchen without requesting a permit?
Could it be… I was suffering from “Just Not in the Mood” for this non-essential pre-coffee information?
Could it be… I AM just in a mood!
Not a good time for moodiness, Mary! It’s Website Wednesday! Side by Side Hand in Hand ENCOURAGEMENT baby! Nope, not good at all!
But it is THE BEST TIME for a “Search and Rescue“!
Psalm 118:24 This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Once again, God whispers my name and says, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9
Well, Hello! If I don’t know what’s up with this day, there is SOMEONE who does! Search me O God!
I confess… I do not trust my (little m!) thoughts. I am likely to “imagine” that my thoughts are clear and accurate. I do not trust my ways (again, little m) either. Oh, I have plans, and if I don’t I WILL make plans, but they will always be about… wait for it… me – me – me – me… and my own desire.
One thing I do know, even if I don’t want to admit it, is I KNOW me!
Growing up I was taught to confess my sins, especially before Sunday and communion. The problem was (and still is) I also learned to lie about my sins. Well… not really lie – lie, but definitely create subterfuge to earn the “get out of trouble“, free card. You know the one. For the NOT SO BAD sins. I might be a sinner BUT I’m NOT a TERRIBLE person, therefore I really only need a “little” forgiveness (i.e. penance). It worked with the priests! They didn’t really want to know, they wanted to believe their people were essentially “good people“.
To this day, I still have the tendency (my old nature) to minimize the sin in my life. It works for me! I believe the lies I tell myself! However, unlike the priests of my childhood, God isn’t impressed nor willing to allow me to ride my slippery slope of minimizing ANY sin taking up residence in my life. (Psalm 139:5) You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. (Psalm 139:7) Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?
PRAISE GOD!!!
Psalm 139:1-4 O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O Lord, You know it all.
Amen???
No more slippery slope! No more subterfuge! It is God who is at work in me (and you!) , both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13
So now I know what this morning was all about… it was NOT about what was wrong, or even what there might be. It was about the two greatest weapons I have (we all have) when trouble invites itself into our day.
When in need of Search and Rescue…
#1) Run to Daddy! Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 FIRST and foremost, don’t ask yourself for the analysis and action plan… ASK GOD! How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You. Psalm 139:17-18 God is GOOD ALL THE TIME and all the time GOD IS GOOD! (from the movie “God’s Not Dead”)
#2) Put on God! Take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:13
The one/two punch of Search and Rescue God’s way… Pray and Stand Firm!
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8
DWELL ON IT!!!!!
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
No doubt about it… this isn’t the day I thought it was going to be!
This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
**All Scripture quoted comes from the “Bible Gateway” app and is the NASB version of the Bible unless otherwise noted.