I grabbed my Bible and journal off my desk and brought them with me out to the family room. Most days I read at my desk, but today, I just wanted to curl up on the couch with Jesus and Ralph (my fearless red heeler). As I opened my Bible, I realized my reading plan was still in the office, and not wanting to disturb the already sleeping dog by my side, I decided to simply start where I landed.
It opened to the 119th Psalm.
“You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God. You’re blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him.”
Psalm 119:1-2 (MSG)
“You’re blessed when you stay on course.” Boy, ain’t that the truth?! Too many times, I’ve gotten off track – distracted by all the things that seem to pull me away from The One that matters. Time and time again, I have to recalibrate my Spirit by turning back to Jesus – by resting my eyes on Him and His truth. It is there my heart is reminded of His presence and where I am most blessed.
“Walking steadily on the road revealed by God.” Too often, I am more concerned with the destination than I am staying on the road revealed by God. I just want to know where I’m going so I can figure out the best way to get there. The problem with that is – I’m already there. You see, I am often looking for the destination, forgetting too quickly that Jesus IS the destination! God reveals the road. My job is to walk steadily onward – trusting the path will be revealed one step at a time.
“You’re blessed when you follow His directions.” Yup. That pretty much sums it up. (Not sure anything more needs to be said about that.)
“Doing your best to find him.” Now this one here, this verse – this is the one that brings swift conviction.
Have I done my best to find Him?
I have not.
I have not done my best to find Him when I’m tired and haven’t slept well. When my to-do list is too long and the dog yacks on the carpet. When my body aches and my head hurts. When I grumpy – or worse, when I simply “don’t feel like it.” I haven’t always done my best to find Jesus in those moments.
But I want to.
And the beautiful thing is, I don’t have to wait until next year to start a new resolution (although, since I’m being honest, that was my initial thought), I can start today. When I was writing this out, I realized there are 40 days left in this year – in this decade!
I want to finish this chapter well. That means making some changes and being more intentional about how I use my time. Identifying those things that are my greatest distraction (most times that’s me, myself, and I), and choosing instead to direct my attention and energy to finding Him.
In everything.
Regardless of how I’m feeling or what is coming against me, I always have a choice to look for Him – to fix my eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of my faith. Knowing I will find Him, when I search for Him with all my heart.
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