Smooth Sailing

For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may terry for the night but joy comes in the morning.

As for me, I said in my prosperity, “I shall never be moved.” By your favor, O Lord, you made my mountain stand strong; you hid your face; I was dismayed.
– Psalms 30:5-7

When life goes well it becomes easy to forget the Lord. “Smooth sailing” as some call it. The waters are calm and life continues business as usual…not taking notice that favor has slept below the deck. Then the storm comes, and we realize how small we are, how little control we have. We call in desperation to awaken favor that he may take control and captain our vessel through the torrent.

Must I forget my God when life goes well? May the Lord pilot my person even when things are good. May my God take control and lead my footsteps.

Father, it is not within myself to direct my steps. Lead me. Take me where you want me to be.
Amen

Idleness & Anger

If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. – 2 Thessalonians 3:10b,11,12

Paul’s patience wears thin with these busybodies…but he still considers them brothers. He employs the method of “tough love” as the charity of other brothers have been taken advantage of. Paul’s command goes out to other brothers, not seeking to cause division in treating another as an enemy, but to rightly divide the situation as brothers…as family.

This verse hurts me right now…For I am in a similar situation as the church in Thessalonica. I woke up this morning angered at one of my workers who does not work. Constantly deadlines are crossed and clients have even mentioned these things to me. I do not feel anger often, and I find myself not knowing how to process these things. I communicated with those that I trust for prayer and counsel; namely Larry and Isaiah. This proved helpful, as earlier this morning I would have gladly demanded an execution…this thankfully, is no longer the case. I would have treated this busybody as enemy #1 instead of recognizing the pain and fears causing great anger to be aroused.

Lord help me in this place…I am hurt and fearful…help me to treat others the way you treat me.
Amen