Jan 7, 2025 – Yes and No
The decluttering I spoke about the other day has included several days of putting away Christmas decorations. That pile on my dining room table in the photo is just part of what I had to pack away. When I took that photo, the tree and the entryway & porch decorations were still out for us to enjoy, almost to Epiphany on Jan 6 (which Don prefers but the condition of the tree usually dictates an earlier takedown). Even though much has been carried down to the basement, there are still 8 large tote boxes stacked around the living room and kitchen. How can I have so many boxes of decorations? Am I the only person every year who thinks I will cull my collection down to just what I really enjoy only to put each item in question back in one of the boxes telling myself I’ll decide about it next year? As I’ve said before, much of my clutter and indecision is due to sentimentality. Don says we have become the keeper of memories for our families. (Though it makes for cluttered living, I’m grateful for his attitude, rather than judgment, on this subject!)
JA – “You can train your mind to turn from other things and focus on Me. When you experience something beautiful, thank Me for it. When a loved one brings you joy, remember that I am the Source of this pleasure. Post reminders of My Presence in your home or car or office. It’s also wise to memorize Scripture since it is ultimately about Me.”
Prevail #7 – Larson bases today’s devotion on Genesis 25:32 when Esau gave up his birthright because he was hungry. She points out, “When we let ourselves get overtired, overextended, and overcommitted, nothing good comes of it. God never asks us to grind our gears to the point of exhaustion.” Interestingly, though I slept mostly well last night, I have been sort of dragging today. I didn’t understand why, but now perhaps I could say that the last of the holiday (and sports) gatherings have come to an end, or at least a pause for now, and my body and mind are no longer on high alert planning and figuring. I don’t think I overdid anything really, because I have learned to pace myself and rest when needed; but, still, being “on” over time does call for a season of rest.
That’s what Sherri Shepherd said in that interview I shared yesterday. She was asked to work on a series one summer, but she said, “You know what, I’m exhausted…. For me, saying no always felt like I was being lazy. But Tyler Perry told me I have to reset and recharge for my health. So for seven days, I sat on the couch, binged on TV, read books – it was my summer of ‘no’ and it felt great!” It’s difficult to say no, especially when you see a need or a great opportunity, but we won’t be much good to anyone nor will we really enjoy the opportunities if we aren’t fully there.
Larson continues, “Such a life not only wears us out, it also makes us vulnerable. We tend to take shortcuts when we’re tired. And worse yet, we lose sight of the life to which our souls are heir…. We must not go through life reacting to our immediate cravings at the expense of the greater story God is writing in our lives…. And what we say yes and no to today will impact the lives of many tomorrow. Our story matters that much.”
Utmost – Because I was curious about what Chambers would have shared yesterday, I read the entry and it speaks to both yesterday and today, “The measure of the worth of our public activity for God is the private profound communion we have with Him. Rush is wrong every time; there is always plenty of time to worship God. Quiet days with God may be a snare. We have to pitch our tents where we shall always shave quiet times with God, however noisy our times with the world may be.” And today, Chambers shares, “When once we get intimate with Jesus we are never lonely, we never need sympathy, we can pour out all the time without being pathetic…. The only impression left by such a life is that of the strong calm sanity that Our Lord gives to those who are intimate with Him.”
Streams – Yesterday Cowman shared J.R.M.’s thoughts which don’t speak directly to the need for rest but do speak to our need to know what’s ahead for us, which can cause unrest, “God does not open paths for us before we come to them, or provide help before help is needed. He does not remove obstacles out of our way before we reach them. Yet when we are at a point of need, God’s hand is outstretched. Many people forget this truth and continually worry about difficulties they envision in the future. They expect God to open and clear many miles of road before them, but He promises to do it step by step, only as their need arises.” My sister-in-law said that yesterday when I asked her how she got through last year dealing with cancer and the other health issues then and now that keep coming across her path. She said, “One step at a time.”
Cowman’s verse for today is from Philippians 4:11 – “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” She writes, “Paul, while being denied every comfort, wrote the above words from a dark prison cell…. People who are God’s without reservation ‘have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.’ His will becomes their will, and they desire to do for Him whatever He desires them to do. They strip themselves of everything, and in their nakedness find everything restored a hundredfold.”
Power – Yesterday Joyce based her thoughts on 1 Corinthians 10:13 and pointed out, “Some of the challenges we face in life may be very difficult ones, but God never allows more to come upon us than we can bear. In fact, with every temptation, He always provides a way out…. He gives us strength to bear up under trials with patience…. Maintaining a good attitude in the midst of something unpleasant is the key to victory, and it enables us to enjoy the journey.” Today she shares Nehemiah 8:10 (for you to look up) saying, “Joy is closely connected to our expectations (what we think and believe)…. Expect Him to do great things in your life, not because you deserve it, but because He is good!” Say yes to God and no to discouragement.
JC started yesterday with, “I am able to do far beyond all that you ask or imagine” (see Ephesians 3:20-21) and continues with, “Do not be discouraged by the fact that many of your prayers are yet unanswered. Time is a trainer, teaching you to wait upon Me, to trust Me in the dark.” Today, Young reminds us in God’s voice, “When you thank Me for the many pleasures I provide, you affirm that I am God, from whom all blessings flow…. Fill up the spare moments of your life [especially the down times of rest] with praise and thanksgiving. This joyous discipline will help you live in the intimacy of My Presence.” See 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
