It’s Much Easier If You’ll Just Cooperate

It’s Much Easier If You’ll Just Cooperate

Ahh.  What a busy day I have planned.  I’m going to Brenda’s to make cards with her and Karen.  I need to go to the post office and mail a Pay-It-Forward gift to Roberta.  Fair Value is also on my list since it’s time to get some groceries and a gift card for a special someone’s 89th birthday.  Then there’s all this stuff on my desk, screaming to be completed as I have been purposely trying to do.  And I have a study to complete, clothes to launder, dishes to wash…

Speaking of screaming, huh?  

Does it ever end?  Does this cycle of trying to get everything done in its proper time ever really be fulfilled?  

Meanwhile, there’s this still, small whisper.  Be still.  Be still and know.  

Okay, Lord.  You’ve got my attention.

Sort of.

You see, last night on the way home from a bonus date night (which included some ever-so-delightful meats from JD’s!), Steve and I were talking about church and the Bible and...don’t laugh, but we were also discussing one of our favorite movies, “Dumb and Dumber.”  For you see, there’s this one scene that epitomizes that cooperating is easier than fighting.  Here’s the link to it so you can see for yourselves:  https://youtu.be/m-HmvPr7mG0

I hope you laughed, as we did, when you watched this.  Does it remind you of how you too fight against the pricks (no offense, Jim!) that threaten to overtake you when if you’d just cooperate, when if you’d just be still instead, you might not have to suffer so?  Dare I say you might not have to die in this condition?  I think I do!  Gotta watch out for that rat poison, you know.

In conclusion, friends, stop.  Stop it--whatever “it” is--and just be still for a few minutes.  Remember Who is in control (and I can assure you--contrary to what you think--it is not you).  Remember Whose you are.  Let Him whisper to you this moment.  Cast your cares on Christ and let go.  Rest.  Be still.

Let’s pray!

Dear Father,

Pause.

Sigh.

My head is full of so many thoughts and squirrels are wreaking havoc in my mind.  It’s maddening, Lord, how when I try to take my own advice, the rabbits continue frolicking about in my tiny little brain, refusing to allow me just a moment--just one peaceful moment--of quiet.  How I need You to quiet me, Father!

Deep breath.  

Again.  In.  And out.  

Focus Stef.  Purpose Stef.  Breathe.  Let the clatter stop and just...just breathe.  Hear that clock ticking in the background? Those are precious seconds you will never get back.  Instead of thinking of what isn’t getting done while you’re being still, think of what is being let go of.  

Better, now?  

Yes!  

Thank You, Lord God.  Thank You for that moment.  Thank You for peace.  I love You!  

As I take one last moment of solace, Father, the thoughts are already trying to intrude again.  Bless my plans today, please?  May the time spent with my friends be joyful.  The groceries and goodies I buy?  Show me the ones that are most needed.  Mostly though, Lord, as that clock continues ticking, remind me to use my time wisely and to spend more of it with You.  That’s where my hope comes from.  May it be so, in the name of Christ Jesus, I ask.  Amen.

It's okay: I'm the limo driver!

Good morning!  Tell me something:  do you have a badge?  Maybe it's your student ID, workplace card, or some other type of tangible item that you use to let others know you belong in this place where you are at.  In the movie "Dumb and Dumber," the character of Lloyd Christmas had one and he thought it gave him access to all sorts of places that the rest of the world wasn't allowed into.  Watch this video clip for those of you (unlike Valerie) who might need a reminder:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y51IFVB-7Oc

The older I get, the more I realize that I need something tangible to help me out when I forget who I am.  Oh sure, there's my driver's license to tell me my name, address, and blood type--and that I am an organ donor.  But...but sometimes as I walk this road of life, and the fiery darts of the wicked one come my way, I need something more solid, more defining, more powerful than a piece of paper with my "facts" on it.  I need protection.  I need my Superhero Jesus to come bail me out of whatever predicament I may be in.  I need verification that I am His child.

This picture doesn't do this justice, but the other day at Treasure's, I found this pocket coin.  On the front, as you see, is the Shield of Faith that is spoken of as part of the whole armor of God in the Book of Ephesians.  On its reverse side is the reminder:  to put on the full armor of God.  There were other pieces available and I may go back and get another (like the helmet to protect my head and my mind!) but this one was most pertinent to me at this moment.

Those fiery darts of the devil are coming at me from all sides lately and when I saw this, I just had to have it.  I can keep it in my pocket and reach down and feel its comfort when I am resting, driving, or just going about my daily walk.  Oh sure, it's not that big and truthfully probably couldn't fend off many actual spears thrown my way.  However, knowing it is there, knowing the truth behind the words imprinted on it makes me feel stronger.  It makes me feel I am not alone.  It reminds me that while my adversary is out there seeking to devour and to destroy me that my Hero, my Warrior is not only in my pocket, He's in my heart.  He's on my side.  He's prepared the way for me and He does not expect me to go it alone.

It feels good to have something to hold onto, doesn't it?  Something that is warm inside of your hand?  Something that you can look at whensoever you choose and though the rest of the world is unaware of its impact, this little reminder of Whose you are is priceless.  So, to conclude, I do hide the words of Christ in my heart that I may not sin against Him.  I do trust Jesus to take care of my every need.  And lastly, I now have this other reminder of His Word to reassure me when those hurtful sticks are thrown my way.  I just have to be sure to reach for it--for Him--and not trust in my own strength to save me.

Let's pray!

Oh Lord!  How I love having more of You close to me.  It isn't always convenient to carry my Bible around so this little coin that I now own is one of my new favorite possessions that points me back to You when my eyes stray.  It allows me to stay "in touch" (if You will) when I need an extra boost or just a quiet reminder that You are always with me.

Thank You for loving me, for securing me, and for equipping me to keep on.  Honestly, Lord, these past two weeks have been a doozy and I faltered a few times as the hits just kept coming.  May I keep my eyes on You and trust in You to be my shield when all is said and done is my prayer today, asked in the name of Jesus.  Amen.