I almost didn't get it done today. I just wanted to go lie down and rest after several hectic days that kept me going practically every minute. Why? Because it is difficult. It hurts. It's hot this time of year, and I get just plain nasty with sweat.
But then I thought about why I do it in the first place. Part of it is physical therapy for lumbar degenerative disc disease, a common malady among the elderly—it makes my back feel better. Part of it is fighting back against some bad heart genes I have inherited. Plus, it makes me stronger. I can lift a bag of groceries, take heavy bowls out of cabinets, and get up and down from chairs a lot of easier. Stiffness is always a problem with age and psoriatic arthritis, but I seem less stiff in the morning or at least get over it more quickly. All of these are benefits, and so I did my work-out. It will pay off. All I have to do is become ill for a week, or have another eye surgery that means "no exertion" for a couple of weeks to see what would happen if I quit.
Sometimes things like Bible study are difficult. Sometimes you don't want to sit down for an hour and really engage your mind. Sometimes you don't feel like praying. Things in your life put you in a mood that is as far from a prayerful attitude as you can be. Sometimes you don't want to go sit with people who are discouraging instead of encouraging, who ignore you, who say hurtful things because they have their own issues. You want to stay away from that assembly as long as you can.
Then you stop and realize—those very people obviously need your help and encouragement if they are acting that way, the best place to get any sort of attitude adjustment is in the midst of God's people, and what seems like the worst time to pray may very well be the time you need it the most. Let's be honest here: there have been times when the only reason I was at the meetinghouse on Sunday morning was my obligation to God, not anyone else. But that was exactly where I heard some pointed reminders about Christians serving others instead of self, and what Jesus puts up with in us. Sometimes we are those clueless apostles time ten!
So you go. So you pray. So you study. And for that you become stronger and better able to handle life's trials. You see better the depths of God's Word and what He has given us. And your relationship with Him and the other people he has offered the same mercy and grace to becomes deeper and more meaningful.
Remind yourself of those things today. It's not about being comfortable and easy. It's about sweat, determination, and making yourself do what you know you must, and being all the better for it.
For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries (Ps 112:6-8).
Dene Ward
But then I thought about why I do it in the first place. Part of it is physical therapy for lumbar degenerative disc disease, a common malady among the elderly—it makes my back feel better. Part of it is fighting back against some bad heart genes I have inherited. Plus, it makes me stronger. I can lift a bag of groceries, take heavy bowls out of cabinets, and get up and down from chairs a lot of easier. Stiffness is always a problem with age and psoriatic arthritis, but I seem less stiff in the morning or at least get over it more quickly. All of these are benefits, and so I did my work-out. It will pay off. All I have to do is become ill for a week, or have another eye surgery that means "no exertion" for a couple of weeks to see what would happen if I quit.
Sometimes things like Bible study are difficult. Sometimes you don't want to sit down for an hour and really engage your mind. Sometimes you don't feel like praying. Things in your life put you in a mood that is as far from a prayerful attitude as you can be. Sometimes you don't want to go sit with people who are discouraging instead of encouraging, who ignore you, who say hurtful things because they have their own issues. You want to stay away from that assembly as long as you can.
Then you stop and realize—those very people obviously need your help and encouragement if they are acting that way, the best place to get any sort of attitude adjustment is in the midst of God's people, and what seems like the worst time to pray may very well be the time you need it the most. Let's be honest here: there have been times when the only reason I was at the meetinghouse on Sunday morning was my obligation to God, not anyone else. But that was exactly where I heard some pointed reminders about Christians serving others instead of self, and what Jesus puts up with in us. Sometimes we are those clueless apostles time ten!
So you go. So you pray. So you study. And for that you become stronger and better able to handle life's trials. You see better the depths of God's Word and what He has given us. And your relationship with Him and the other people he has offered the same mercy and grace to becomes deeper and more meaningful.
Remind yourself of those things today. It's not about being comfortable and easy. It's about sweat, determination, and making yourself do what you know you must, and being all the better for it.
For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries (Ps 112:6-8).
Dene Ward
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