Saturday, April 18, 2020

Renovations And Revival - Dinner #98


Who would have ever imagined such a global pause?  I look back at devotionals written during the stress and the business of life, and can hardly fathom the extent to which our world has changed. 

Social media is currently filled with photos of board games and puzzles; of crafts and creative family dinners - evidences of some really great substitutions for all the running-here-and-there that so often dictates our human existence.

Many stores are closed, of course, but during a recent trip to Ace Hardware, an employee remarked to my husband on the unexpected INCREASE in business. It seems like many folks are finally getting around to the house projects that have been on their to-do lists!

There is a renovation project on the way to our local grocery story, and it has been a secret pleasure of mine, watching the progress. Perhaps the owners are being able to sand and paint a little more than usual right now, because the front of the house is coming along quite rapidly. 

The truth of the matter is, through this pandemic, God has given us THE GIFT OF TIME.  Time to notice areas in need of attention - both in our homes and in our hearts. 

Psalm 119:59 says, “I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.

Such a convicting verse.  Are we taking heed and thinking on our ways?  Are we contemplating the direction in which our life has been going?  There are things in my own life that I want to change; NEED to change.  Is it the same for you? 

Government officials are hoping to re-open our borders, soon; to return to “business as usual.” But, in all honesty, I don’t know if we’re ready yet.  Have you and I turned to God with our whole heart? As individuals, have we grown, through this difficulty? Are we learning the lessons that Almighty God wants us to learn?  This week, during an online service, I heard a pastor express it like this: “Normal is not what we need to get back to.  We need to get back to God and His Word.”

How grateful I am for the blessed promise of James 4:8, which says, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”

Being more of a homebody by nature, I’ve probably delighted in this social distancing more than most people.  I confess, I’ve loved the consistent schooling, the extra cooking and cleaning, the crafts, and the crisp spring air! But in the midst of what is really good, I pray I might not lose sight of what is BEST.  I pray I might not miss this opportunity to grow in my relationship with God – to experience a personal revival in my soul!

Lately, I find myself hungering for the Lord.  It makes me think of the verse in Psalms that speaks of longing for God like a deer longing for water.  The story of Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus also comes to mind.    

Do you long for Him, too, Dear Sister? Do you want more of God? What a significant soul-searching time this could be for each of us, if we’d only let it be so. 

Jeremiah 29:13 declares, “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”




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