Clear Water: by Joey

 

Jer. 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

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With the New Year upon me and several unresolved stressors, It has taken everything in me to read the above verse and not doubt. Just the same, I am aware there is something brewing that I do not fully understand and it has created a hopeful expectation.

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1Corinthians 9:24-27 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

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I would even go so far as to say this has been in the mix for some time weaving its way into the fabric of every circumstance I have faced this year. Leading me to meditate again on: James1:2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

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Slowing this down a bit I am soaking in the quiet as I write. Focused on the words Count it all Joy...I can not say I have had much joy in the wrestling thats gone on. Accept to say it has made me see the truth of: Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

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As well as Romans 8:28. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. And, 2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. 

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This lead me to ask: how is this possible when life can seem like a constant spin cycle? Phil.4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. True, honest, just, pure, lovely, good report, and if there be any virtue, and praise.

 

After a very full 3 days that have caused major insomnia as well as made me wonder why I can not find any of the above in me with a major mental shake down. I am sitting here thinking its time to get behind the meaning of these words and take a deep dive.

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True: Genuine  Honest: sincere Just: well founded  Pure: perfectly in tune and with a clear sound  Lovely: delightful Virtue: valor (great courage) praise: express ones respect or gratitude toward.

Unlike meditations I have written in the past this one has me thinking I will be meditating further on these words as well as seeing how it plays out afresh in my day.  

 

Philippians 3:12-14 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

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In closing I wrote a short poem this morning that seems to tie this up enjoy: Clear Waters: The reflective mirror timelessly unfolding enhanced by exquisitely pure light, nurtured by the hands of quiet contemplation, revealing a hopeful expectation, illuminating the path of the weary traveler as they draw near. this reflective mirror has purpose to one who sees without fear. (Rev.2:7)