As the rain and snow

“Make me understand the way of your precepts,
    and I will meditate on your wondrous works…
    strengthen me according to your word!
Put false ways far from me
    and graciously teach me your law!
I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
    I set your rules before me.
I cling to your testimonies, O Lord;
    let me not be put to shame!
I will run in the way of your commandments
    when you enlarge my heart!

Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
    and I will keep it to the end.
Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
    and observe it with my whole heart.
Lead me in the path of your commandments,
    for I delight in it.
Incline my heart to your testimonies,
    and not to selfish gain!
Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
    and give me life in your ways.
Confirm to your servant your promise,
    that you may be feared…

I will keep your law continually,
    forever and ever,
and I shall walk in a wide place,
    for I have sought your precepts.
I will also speak of your testimonies before kings
    and shall not be put to shame,
for I find my delight in your commandments,
    which I love.
I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
    and I will meditate on your statutes.” Psalm 119:27,28b-37,44-48

The psalmist knew the intermingling of Word and heart. The more of God’s word he ingested, cherished, and applied, the stronger and broader his heart grew. The love and exercise of God’s commands pumped righteous blood through his thoughts, impulses, and actions to hearty expression.

Inclining ourselves to the truth and powerful nature of God’s word sets our hearts free from all that’s deleterious and distracting. His law cleanses and sets straight. It reorders affections and imparts new life. It sets free from constricting sin and opens broad places of holy desire, obedience, joy, and peace. It replaces sorrow and the angst of affliction with palpable comfort and a song of hope. (Psalm 119:11,50,54-56,70,93,96,129-130,133)

How deeply do I desire God’s word as daily food and light? What time have I set aside for knowing it better? The focused moments I spend reading, studying, and praying through it indicates the measure of my devotion and dependency. Am I more wont to grab snippets of people’s interpretations and personal insights than seeking the Lord directly through the Bible? Do I limit His influence to certain days or decisions, or open wide my life to all-encompassing influence? How dependent am I on the Holy Spirit to interpret and apply spiritual truths? How far-reaching are its supernatural effects in my emotions, insights, choices, plans? (Job 23:12; Jeremiah 15:16; 1 Corinthians 2:6-16)

A heart crowded by a harem of worldly loves will never know the fullness of God. A heart restricted by selfish passions will never delight in full surrender. But the heart open to God’s truth and all He has in store will be large and full and free indeed. (John 8:32,36; 1 Corinthians 2:9)

Lord, enlarge my heart with all You are and teach so You have full sway with me. May Your word coursing through my veins result in bright display of righteousness, that Your glory be magnified. (Psalm 119:66,68)

“Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried to Elisha, ‘Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord, but the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves.^’ And Elisha said to her, ‘What shall I do for you? Tell me; what have you in the house?’ And she said, ‘Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.’ Then he said, ‘Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels and not too few. Then go in and shut the door behind yourself and your sons and pour into all these vessels. And when one is full, set it aside.^’ So she went from him and shut the door behind herself and her sons. And as she poured they brought the vessels to her. When the vessels were full, she said to her son, ‘Bring me another vessel.’ And he said to her, ‘There is not another.’ Then the oil stopped flowing. She came and told the man of God, and he said, ‘Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on the rest.’” 2 Kings 4:1-7

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Philippians 3:20-21

The widow’s situation was grave, a pivotal nadir between a hard life and impending death. The neighbors’ pots seem insignificant- nondescript, unused, borrowed. Between the two and bringing them together is a man of God who is willing to trust for big and small, to the unveiling of God’s magnanimous power and intimate, personal care. Faith brought enough oil to sustain a hope-filled future.

God’s ability meets our insufficiency in unexpected and beautiful ways all through our days. His greatness meets our minutiae, His permanent meets our transient, His everlasting our momentary. We have needs small and great, some with minimal potential effect, others life-altering. Certain issues weigh heavy, others nag and irritate. Some fears shout and manhandle, others whisper and pester. The Lord knows them all, and is ready to meet with particular supply and balm as we bring them to Him. (Matthew 6:8; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

What circumstances currently poke, or are threatening to choke? Where have small decisions turned into big problems that need an even bigger fix? What is a current financial, relational, or health impossible that desperately needs God’s possible? Will we seek out the One who knows every detail, confidently offer our finite faith, and bring our jars for Him to fill? Then will we thank and praise Him for working to His glorious ends?

“This is my Father’s world:
O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world:
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King: let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad!” ~Maltbie D. Babcock (1901)

Lord, may I keep taking You my every concern, and expectantly, joyfully trust Your best and bounty with them all so You are magnified.

“Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power.  To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things,  so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places… 

“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,  from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,  that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,  may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,  and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,  to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:7-10,14-21

Paul understood his calling and knew the Spirit of God at work on and in him to fulfill that calling. Because of the ready access Christ had opened to the Father, and the boldness He’d given, Paul took every advantage to bow before Him in full submission and dependence. He would not trust his own vision, strength, or strategies, but knew where to go for wisdom and power. He also knew it would be God’s doing to increase the Philippine church’s understanding of and love for Him. To bring the gospel to widening light he needed to bend his knees. Every prayer began and was woven and ended with fervent passion for God’s glory, from and for which all things existed. (Isaiah 49:3; Hebrews 4:16)

For any endeavor, it’s vital to seek the Lord for both our work and its divine results. Having been saved with a heavenly purpose, it is to heaven we must appeal for ability and effectiveness in fulfilling it. The God who calls is the One who enables according to His immense, immeasurable grace. He it is who clarifies mission, fortifies the spirit, and sets straight the feet. (Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:24)

He goes before us to prepare the soil for fruitful ministry. He alone changes and broadens the hearts of hearers, turning stone to flesh. He stokes the fires of love for Christ and sanctifies spiritual understanding. He answers and supplies according to His limitless sufficiency. (Ezekiel 36:26)

When do we pause to dedicate ourselves and those to whom we minister to God’s intentions? How deliberately and specifically do I pray that God will mightily, spiritually work for those in my care? How expectantly do I look for His generous, glorious answers?

Lord, keep me humbly seeking You for myself and those You’ve entrusted to me, that Your will be done and Your name exalted.

“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed… it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.

“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:3-10

“Let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18

When Paul heard of the Colossians’ faith, he immediately turned to God with thanksgiving and expectancy. His heart was grateful for the encouragement of knowing that what he’d taught had taken hold and lit a fire of zealous obedience and service in the church. When they’d heard the gospel, they believed and were compelled to act, and so he beseeched the Lord that this vibrant faith would grow more and more, expressing itself in increasing knowledge, faithfulness, and spiritual fruitfulness.

Faith in Christ Jesus gives us new life lenses and motivations. Understanding God’s grace compels generous forgiveness for wrongs done to us. Knowing we’re adopted as His children engenders deep security, and love for our spiritual brothers and sisters. Gripped by His call to follow and serve inspires wholehearted devotion, excellence in work, and zealous ministry. Grasping His eternal plans opens the future with hope and excitement, honing broad and long perspective in pressing present circumstances. In all these ways we should be growing as we put expanding knowledge of His word into practice. (Matthew 4:19; Romans 8:14-17; 2 Corinthians 4:17; Galatians 6:9; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:23)

How has the glorious gospel made its way into our impulses, daily outlook, and industry? Is our faith manifest so others can see it, are encouraged by it, and thank God for its expression? Are we increasing in patience, compassion, fortitude, kindness, self-control? (Galatians 5:22-23)

What are we doing to gain more knowledge of God’s truths and insight into His manner among men? What then do we do with that knowledge to affect the way we make decisions, speak, and treat others? Are we measurably more prayerful, more honorable, more gracious?

“Speak, O Lord, as we come to You
To receive the food of your holy word.
Take Your truth, plant it deep in us;
Shape and fashion us in Your likeness,
That the light of Christ might be seen today
In our acts of love and our deeds of faith.
Speak, O Lord, and fulfil in us
All Your purposes, for Your glory.” ~Stuart Townend (2006)

Amen.

“Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials, because an excellent spirit was in him. The king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.  Then the officials sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error was found in him. Then these men said, ‘We shall not find any complaint against Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God…’

“‘All the officials… are agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an injunction, that whoever makes petition to any god or man for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. Now, O king,.. sign the document, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law..,which cannot be revoked.’ Therefore King Darius signed the document and injunction.

“When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously. Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and plea before his God.” Daniel 6:3-5,7-11

“Be not silent, O God of my praise!
For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me,
    speaking against me with lying tongues.
They encircle me with words of hate,
    and attack me without cause.
They accuse me,
    but I give myself to prayer…
He stands at the right hand of the needy one,
    to save him from those who condemn his soul to death.” Psalm 109:1-4,31

Attack from hateful enemies causes many reactions: immediate defense, retaliation, thirst for vengeance, paralyzing fear. For the child of God, whose identity and heart are bound up with Christ, the antidote is simpler and far more effective: prayer.

Prayer takes our eyes off hateful threats and fixes them on Almighty God who reigns above. Thanksgiving lifts anxious concerns for the unknown and reminds us what is known and true. Focused communion with God encompasses us in His strong arms and nestles us beneath His protective wings. Earnest petition transfers our heaviest cares to the Lord’s able shoulders. O fretting soul, where is our upper chamber? (Psalm 91:4; Isaiah 9:6; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:6)

Understand the threat. To the house. Windows open to God’s holy presence. Kneel. Three times a day. Give thanks. Customary habit. How rich is a life hid with Christ in God! (Colossians 3:3)

What pressures do we face? What fears loom due to threats from within and without? How are we handling them? Do we default to hand-wringing, or hands opened and lifted in praise? Do we take a posture of combative defense, or humbly bow in desperate dependence? Do we spew vitriol and venom, or recite thanksgiving for all God is doing and how He’ll be glorified? How ingrained is a habit of prayer? Would we ask the Lord to deepen it by turning thought immediately and often to Him? A practice of continual prayer guards our path and reflects the glory of God’s grace in our lives.

Lord, in every battle and encumbrance, pull my mind and desire to You. Keep me thankful and trustful so You are seen and praised. (Daniel 6:25-27)

“Then Daniel… told [his companions] to seek mercy from God concerning this mystery, so that [they] might not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision… Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven..:

“‘Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
to whom belong wisdom and might.
He changes times and seasons;
he removes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to those who have understanding;
he reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what is in the darkness,
and the light dwells with him.
To you, O God of my fathers,
I give thanks and praise,
for you have given me wisdom and might,
and have now made known to me what we asked of you,
for you have made known to us the king’s matter…’

^“The king declared to Daniel,.. ‘Are you able to make known to me the dream and its interpretation?^’ Daniel answered, ‘No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show the king.., but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known what will be.’” Daniel 2:17-23,26-28a

The King had made an impossible demand, and all his magicians, enchanters, and sorcerers were doomed to death because they could not meet it. But Daniel the wise met Nebuchadnezzar the fool with the possibility of God to turn the destiny of all. While the king’s seers relied on signs and the occult, Daniel knew his only hope for understanding the king’s mystery was his Lord, and to Him he prayed. (Daniel 2:1-16)

It’s easy to panic when faced with the impossible, dark looming situations beyond our control. A harrowing diagnosis, the threat of job loss, a broken marriage, or war. Without the Lord and with unbridled emotion and exasperation, we’re destined for misery. But prudence and discretion lead us to the Sovereign over every calamity. Seeking His mercy, wisdom, and light opens the way for His answers. Often He reveals His will to inquiring, believing minds as we pray.

What circumstances have tightly knotted me in turmoil? What threats press anxiety into every pore and furrows into my countenance? Do I fret and accuse and lock myself in stress, or with prudence, trust, and hopeful praise approach my Lord?

There are dangers in the world. But there is a God in heaven. There are mysteries we’re unable to discern, accusations we cannot defend, regrets we cannot shake. But there is a God in heaven. There are sorrows and pain and unmet longings that seem unbearable. But there is a God in heaven. Do I know and believe Him?

“Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
naught be all else to me, save that Thou art;
Thou my best thought by day or by night,
waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
Thou ever with me and I with Thee, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son,
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.” ~ Dallán Forgaill, old Irish

Great and all-wise Father in heaven, help me turn to You in every earthly angst, trusting Your wisdom and power for every impossible to Your thanks and praise. (Daniel 2:46-47)

“Be not silent, O God of my praise!
For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me,
    speaking against me with lying tongues.
They encircle me with words of hate,
    and attack me without cause.
In return for my love they accuse me,
    but I give myself to prayer.
So they reward me evil for good,
    and hatred for my love…

Help me, O Lord my God!
    Save me according to your steadfast love!
Let them know that this is your hand;
    you, O Lord, have done it!..

With my mouth I will give great thanks to the Lord;
    I will praise him in the midst of the throng.
For he stands at the right hand of the needy one,
    to save him from those who condemn his soul to death.” Psalm 109:1-5,26-27,30-31

“Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him.  But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.  And he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’ And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’”Acts 7:54-56,59

“If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?  Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” Romans 8:31-34

David’s pleas were agonizing, heart-felt, honest, and intimate. He knew his God, and knew He heard every word of complaint and need. He also knew that his Lord stood ready to respond, confirm, defend, and answer. His Advocate and Intercessor was on his side in every way.

Life on earth is bustling with activity that grabs our attention. A ding here, urgency there, message here, distraction there… we live in a hectic horizontal often with no thought of our vertical connection to the Almighty. Yet, our Savior stands near, always close at our right hand to lead, help, confide in, comfort. What a friend is He!

How would we handle situations differently, what would improve in our attitude and industry, if we acknowledged the Lord Jesus always at our right hand? What courage or confidence would fuel our facing down the enemy? What spiritual insights would compel our choices? What peace, security, deepest pleasure and joy would hold our hearts still when all around is in sad upheaval? (Psalm 16:8-11; 108:12-13)

As we rise each day and set out to whatever is before us, would we make sure we walk beside our truest Companion, holding His hand in trust? Even while eyes must tend to tasks before us, will we remember to look around at His handiwork and up in worship? This loving Savior beside us is for us. He stands ready to bring truth to recollection, guide with discernment, soften hard and sweeten bitter hearts. What hope, what zeal, what strength does this afford us today? (Ezekiel 36:26; John 14:26; 16:13)

Lord, as You faithfully stand beside me, may I keep so close to You I hear Your breath and walk Your stride.

“‘This is the interpretation, O king: It is a decree of the Most High,.. that you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. You shall be made to eat grass like an ox, and you shall be wet with the dew of heaven, and seven periods of time shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will… Your kingdom shall be confirmed for you from the time that you know that Heaven rules…’

“King Nebuchadnezzar… said, ‘Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?..’ Immediately the word was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar…

“At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever,

for his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
    and his kingdom endures from generation to generation;
all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing,
    and he does according to his will among the host of heaven
    and among the inhabitants of the earth;
and none can stay his hand.’

“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.” Daniel 4:24-26,30,33-35,37

In the world’s eyes and his own, King Nebuchadnezzar was quite the man. His kingdom was broad and powerful and in human eyes, glorious. But God had His eye on him for eternal good, and would not allow him to continue his earthly reign without acknowledging that the He, Most High, ruled over all. Man in his pomp will not remain. (Psalm 49:12)

Through a series of visions and strange fulfillments, the Lord humbled this most famous of kings, and in the sum of his life he knew that he knew that Heaven rules. All that would have turned to dust was now for him an eternal treasure trove. His crown was indeed the Lord’s. (Daniel 4:4-23; Psalm 111:10; Matthew 6:19-21; Revelation 4:10-11)

On earth we take positions and are entrusted with various authority. In the home, workplace, and community we are personal regents over whatever kingdom we’ve been assigned. And that’s the point: the Lord is the ultimate Sovereign. What we think we’ve earned or have a natural right to own or direct or control comes from or is appointed by God.

He is the One who raises up and brings low, He assigns place and gifting and determines the measure of each life. Therein, He lovingly gives freedom to handle assignments according to our inspiration and ability. Are we doing all as unto Him? (Daniel 1:21; Acts 17:26; James 1:17)

Where have we taken credit for worldly success? What accomplishments or accolades do we flaunt as ours? Where do we selfishly, greedily, pridefully, or rudely misuse authority granted to us? When will we humble ourselves before God’s mighty hand and acknowledge Him as Lord of all? Only in believing and behaving as though He is Sovereign will we flourish with true hope and joy. (1 Peter 5:6)

Sovereign God, may my desires, words, and actions exalt You as the Most High, always.

“Put to death what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry… In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator…

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:5,7-10,12-17

‘Ah, God’s chosen! Chosen to pass from death to life, chosen to be a new creation, there are certain adornments that distinguish us from those who know not God. By attitude, action, and activity, we are to stand out from the world as holy and beloved, shining lights, permeating goodness and love’s color into the prevailing darkness. (2 Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 2:15; Colossians 2:13-14)

But are we? How distinguished are we from those around us? By job position, skill, dress, neighborhood, or education, we may have many similarities. We live in the world and are meant to work alongside the lost while remaining pure and emanating grace. The Lord intends us to make connections, serve neighbors and colleagues, and be bold against wickedness. He also entrusts us with the gospel, and expects us to stand out and apart in its defense, testifying with word and deed to His grace. (Matthew 5:14-16; 16:24-26; John 17:15-18)

As God’s chosen we are fueled by different passions and speak a loftier language. Where the world is easily ignited by cursory, catty speech, or complaining or gossip, we can elevate conversation toward ideas and standards that bear on human flourishing and the culture. Where the world chops and chats with snippets and grudges and rude memes, we can implement language that honors the living Word who made our mouths. When the world promotes factions and dissension, and spews hatred at every turn, we must speak truth in love, and as we are able, maintain unity in the gospel of peace. (Exodus 4:11; John 1:1; Ephesians 4:1-3,15,29; Colossians 4:6; 1 Peter 3:8)

Where and in what situations is it especially hard to behave as God’s chosen? Would we bring these specific challenges to the Lord, and trust Him to change and fill us? How can we bear His imprint in a fresh way today? (Ephesians 5:18)

Lord, may I live as Your chosen and so magnify Your image in this world.

“Both we and our fathers have sinned;
    we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness.
Our fathers, when they were in Egypt,
    did not consider your wondrous works;
they did not remember the abundance of your steadfast love,
    but rebelled by the sea, at the Red Sea.
Yet he saved them for his name’s sake,
    that he might make known his mighty power.
He rebuked the Red Sea, and it became dry,
    and he led them through the deep as through a desert.
So he saved them from the hand of the foe
    and redeemed them from the power of the enemy.
And the waters covered their adversaries;
    not one of them was left.
Then they believed his words;
    they sang his praise.

But they soon forgot his works;
    they did not wait for his counsel.
But they had a wanton craving in the wilderness,
    and put God to the test in the desert…

They made a calf in Horeb
    and worshiped a metal image.
They exchanged the glory of God
    for the image of an ox that eats grass.
They forgot God, their Savior,
    who had done great things in Egypt,
wondrous works in the land of Ham,
    and awesome deeds by the Red Sea.” Psalm 106:6-14,19-22

“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8

When Israel forgot her God, disaster ensued. Maintaining a mindset of remembrance of God’s good gifts and grace filled them with praise and guarded their actions in obedience. They adored and wanted to follow this One who cared for and delivered them. But they let down that guard, opening their minds to strange affection and wandering toward foreign gods. Entertainment of self and coddling wayward impulses took captive and quenched thoughts filled with the Lord, and led to their repeated downfall.

And so happens this incessant pull with the most well-intended of men. Our biblical call to vigilance is vehement and constant because the enemy is relentless. We cannot be too guarded against his alluring and deceptive wiles. This deceiver targets our minds because he knows that’s where choices take root. We must keep fixing our minds and locking our hearts on Christ above! (Proverbs 4:23-27; John 8:44; 1 Corinthians 16:13; 2 Corinthians 11:3,14; Colossians 3:1-2; 1 Peter 5:8)

What ingrained habits have we relished that deter our thoughts from Christ? Are we more addicted to news, exercise, or some form of entertainment than we are to time with His word? What safeguards have we in place to guard our minds (and eyes), and how well do we mind those guards? Is there a friend with whom we can talk, confess, and uphold accountability to pressing on toward the Lord?

When we are weary of the pull, or have yielded to temptation, we find great mercy and forgiveness in the Lord. We can approach Him in confidence rather than shame, and claim His gracious cleansing and help. With renewed minds, will we then freely praise Him? (Psalm 107:8-15; Romans 12:2; Hebrews 4:15-16)

Father, keep me from straying, and keep me vigilant in guarding my life for Thee, to Your honor and glory.