Yesterday, I was anticipating my “movie date” with You, Lord. Watching “The Passion of the Christ.” My annual tradition since the DVD first came out many years ago.
Last night, the anticipation became Reality. And today…
I am not the same.
How can I witness the horror of Your suffering, Lord, and not be changed?
How can I continue to rationalize any choices in this present season that fall short of Your heart’s desires for me? Especially since I know the word “rationalize” is usually code for Rational Lies?
“You were taught, with respect to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds, and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24)
Change isn’t a one-time deal… is it, Lord? It isn’t even a daily deal. Sometimes…
… it’s a moment-by-moment deal.
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Sometimes, Life gets moving so fast I find my body outpacing my brain. With outcomes like “Open Mouth, Insert Foot” or “Ready – Fire – Aim.” 🙂 Maybe I could more accurately say: Ready – Act – Think???
Is that the secret behind taking every thought captive, Lord? Stopping long enough to think? Recognizing what we’re thinking, so we can “capture” it…
… instead of letting it capture us?
Today’s case in point: Drinking eight glasses of water.
I know the benefits of this. And I have succeeded before. Still, I forget and I fail… for days on end. I get so busy doing so many things, I forget to take even one sip. Even when the water bottle is sitting right next to me???!!!
Your whispers were especially poignant today, Lord… in light of yesterday’s images that still hung in my mind. Images from Your terrible trek up Mount Calvary.
Slow down.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
No one else could do what You did for me.
Really connect with Me (instead of “going through the motions”).
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37)
No one else could ever love me like You do.
Then, be intentional… even with a glass of water.
“Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of The Water of Life.” (Revelation 22:17)
I’m up to seven glasses already. Plenty of time left for number eight. How I got here is what matters most.
I made “water dates” with You, Lord. Stopping in my tracks. Standing in Your Presence. Aware of Your nearness. Sipping my water… even as I drank in Yours.
Hydrating my body… quenching my real Thirst.
Maybe we could “date” more often, Lord? In all aspects of Life?
How about 24/7/365?
🙂
Expectantly,
Abba’s Girl