Stop, Look and Listen

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.
Psalm 23:6 NKJV

We don't always see goodness and mercy on the path we're on. At least, not immediately... However, have you taken the time to look back after you've gotten through a particularly tough time? As is often the case, if we will take the time to specifically look for the evidence of God's fingerprints on our lives, we will see them all over everything that concerns us. 

As we go about doing our Father's business, He is working ALL things for our good. Even if the path you're on right now is dark and dreary - stop, look and listen for His goodness and mercy. They are following you, pursuing you, and they will find you. Be intentional about putting Him first and staying in His presence. 

Prayer:

Father,
             We pray as Saint Benedict prayed, "O gracious and holy Father, Give us wisdom to perceive You, intelligence to understand You, diligence to seek You, patience to wait for You, eyes to see You, a heart to meditate on You, and a life to proclaim You, through the power of the spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

The Fourth Stop Sign

I come to your altar, O Lord, singing a song of thanksgiving and telling of all your wonders. I love your sanctuary, Lord, the place where your glorious presence dwells.
Psalm 26:6b-8 NLT

The first traffic ticket I ever got was for not coming to a complete stop at a posted stop sign. On the daily route, there were 4 stop signs to get to the main road. At the last stop sign that morning, I slowed way down but did the infamous California roll instead of stopping completely...and I had to pay the price for it. Oh, I thought I was justified - even tried to talk my way out of it (I wasn't saved then). The officer patiently explained to me that the book did not read three out of four stops are okay, nor did it say I get to choose which laws I would obey, or that I could stop only when I felt like it and had the time.

There are days when life threatens to overwhelm us with all that we have to do and all the things and people who need a piece of us and there just isn't enough time. Combine that with back-to-school and all the extras we want to do as we come to the end of summer (and more than likely won't get to accomplish) and it becomes our focus, creating a sure-fire recipe for potential disaster. It's the fourth stop sign all over again. 

And this time, are we stopping to acknowledge and praise God in all things? In ALL things - everything - as Scripture instructs? The Book doesn't read three out of four times are okay, nor does it say we get to choose which laws we will obey, or that we could stop only when we felt like it and had the time. Oh, we may throw a few thanks heavenward - they may even be heartfelt - but are we taking the time to come to a complete stop and give Him our full attention in praise and thanksgiving?

If not, take 5 minutes right now and stop. Seriously. Stop. List 5 things you are thankful for - something besides a spouse or children. Something that you know you have only by the grace and goodness of God. Go ahead, I'll wait...

Now praise Him for who He is. Acknowledge His greatness. Sing to Him a new song of thanksgiving and tell of His wonders!!

Prayer:

Father,
          It is only by Your mercy and grace that we even breathe. We acknowledge and give great thanks that it is in You alone that we live and move and have our being. We know every good and perfect thing comes from You and we give You praise. In Jesus' Name. Amen

* Make It Stop

O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings! Interlude
Psalm 61:1-4 NLT

An interlude is not exactly awe-inspiring in and of itself. Usually, it's a chance for the mind to wander a little, but there's that moment when an interlude can become the main focus - that which causes the before and after of something to be much more meaningful or intense. In the King James Version, it is translated Selah. Basically, it's a pause, a break, stoppage. A ceasing of what we were doing.

We must catch the significance of the placement of this interlude... which according to Google.com is also synonymous with "interval, intermission, break, recess, pause, respite, breathing space" and various others. Let's be real. When our hearts are overwhelmed, we NEED space to breathe. We need a break. Right?

However, you'll notice the Interlude is not placed after 'overwhelmed'; we're not to stop there and dwell on that. It's placed after David declares God is his safe refuge and his place of great safety with God as his covering and shelter. THAT's when David calls for an interlude. Stop - think about a safe refuge. Stop - enjoy a little respite. God's refuge will give us all the breathing room we need! When we get beneath the shelter of His wings and make God our refuge, HE will make it all stop!

Prayer:

Father,
             When our hearts are overwhelmed with life, help us to live only in YOU, O God, our strong tower, our refuge, our strength. Let us cease our struggling and rest in You alone. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen