I’m not good with directions- even simply following them- so I hear this word often from my GPS. It is for this reason that it tends to pop into my head at other moments throughout the day. For instance, I can be deep in thought, contemplating an answer to one child’s question, when suddenly two more questions are launched simultaneously from other kids in the house. “Recalculating…”
Possibly the greatest use of this word for me has been in the area of spiritual discipline. It is no coincidence that after my last blog regarding our family routine, that the schedule was blown to smithereens. We have finally been able to take up that routine again after much reorganizing of our tasks. In fact, nothing less than printing up brand new schedules for each of us, beginning much earlier and ending much later in our day, would suffice. The temptation is to just complete the “major” tasks that seem so pressing at the moment and tuck in the Bible and prayer times whenever we can. However, experience has informed me that this method will cancel them out entirely. Our spiritual disciplines must be considered top priority.
Looking back over the last ten years of my life, I can see this struggle played out time and again. The pattern looks something like this: I commit to a new spiritual discipline; I set a time and place; I finally establish a habit; the habit goes well for several days or weeks (maybe even months); some big life change or many small events come together to make this set time and place impossible. The trick is to remember that the spiritual discipline is not impossible- fitting it into the predetermined method is, at least for the moment. Thus, a new routine must be carved out and nailed into place. Over the years, these disciplines have been personal Bible reading, prayer, and meditation. Once these were well established, incorporating scripture memory, family prayer and Bible time, and Christian read alouds became the focus.
This is work. BUT it is work that will pay the biggest dividends. Flexibility and determination are key. I have resolved to complete many tasks in my life that ultimately amounted to nothing. Following the Lord daily has always proved worthy of all I am capable of giving.
Father, thank You for Your patience that gently nudges me and never gives up on me. Forgive me for putting other things above You. Please help me set my face like flint and allow nothing to turn me from following You. Give me the grit and determination to pursue a deep relationship with You no matter what else is happening in my life. I love You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
“Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.” Isaiah 50:7
“Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:25-27