About a week ago, I noticed a pain in my hip when i walked one way and especially when I slept in a certain position. This went on a few days and I was a little concerned I had done something not good. When these type of injuries happen, I usually take it easy for a few days to weeks and see how things go. It also makes me aware to seek God’s counsel and healing if it was His will even in these ‘small’ matters. I purposefully slept in less aggravating positions and tried not to irritate what was already sore. When I woke up on Sunday, I did not notice the pain nearly as much and cautiously went through the day without much incident, as well as the past few days. As I often tell myself, ‘don’t do anything stupid’ to unintentionally re-injure myself over the past few days, but haven’t noticed it returning, praise God! Are there little things you experienced this past week that remind you to seek God and to be grateful?
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5
While overcoming minor injuries and challenges you face from week to week may seem pretty normal for dealing with things in life, it can also turn us back to God when our tendency is to turn toward ourselves. When we escape harm and get through small or big challenges, it is easy to say ‘that wasn’t so bad.’ It is equally as easy to say ‘Thank you, Lord.’ It also reminds me that others are going through much more difficult things than I am experiencing. I often play the worst case scenario in my mind and am often pleased when things don’t turn out as bad as I anticipated. Yesterday, I had an inspection that I had prepared for he things I knew had to be done, but was fully expecting to fail, based on several subjective issues as well. When I passed conditionally, after following up on a few things, I was both surprised and thankful, as that was within the realm of manageable. Again, I was humbled and in a position of thanking God for these little things.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
What things in your day to day life make you turn to prayer and thanksgiving? For me, it’s often in the highs and lows of life, when things are going much better than expected, or when facing disaster. It seems much easier to coast along during those in between times,unless it is a regular part of our daily routine. Again, outside of your normal routine, are there things that happen that draw you into the Word? For me, its looking up verses on specific topics of which I become aware. Or I might hear an Old Testament story and think ‘I haven’t read that in a long time’, and be drawn back into it, realizing how much I may have forgotten. Whatever life experiences you are facing, whether high, low, or seemingly small in-between things, let them draw you closer to God so that you and others may benefit from those experiences.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8
Yours in Christ,
Clark
