YAHWEH
ROI and Me
Pens of Praise, October 20,, 2014
Meeting
By Susan Marlene Kinney
Should I do…or maybe…..well, then there is…..
Decisions can be complicated and challenging when
they are mine to make. If they belong to someone else they are quite untangled
from my emotions and even easy to discern. Plus, I have the added benefit of
not knowing all those messy details that cloud the issues at hand. For the
person with the ‘in the valley-eyes view, instead of a preferred birds-eye
view, the impact of those choices can seem to carry the weight of–generations can
be ruined—if the wrong choice is made.
What should I do then if an unsavory situation or
person tries to push into my space? Something or someone uncalled for,
unwanted, and even intimidating. First, don’t follow that adrenaline rush
pumping in the veins, pushing to run with the first idea that comes to mind.
Next, don’t heed that angry squabbling voice, which pushes to dominate…no
matter how protective and how in-control those words may feel. Notice the
previous ‘pushes’ for what they are, but sit quiet instead. Calm that racing
heart. Breathe deep and ask YAHWEH ROI yah-WEH
row-EE (The Lord is My Shepherd) to lead. I find it most unsettling at
first—this fighting that first reaction and my desire to flee. Consciously
focusing on lengthening and deepening my very breaths, forcing my mind to
consider what wisdom He may drop into my spirit, I find that waiting for His calm to take
over is worth the fight.
Recently, I pursued these steps. This took some
effort on my part. I found my struggling spirit wanting to react, but I prayed
instead. Lord your will be accomplished
here. I didn’t have the time or energy to deal with what I thought could
happen. Fear kept peeking over the edge of my dining room table, around the
computer as I typed, teasing me as I tried to fall asleep, and distracting me
from my want-to-do-it-for-the-Lord list. I decided that He was more interested
in my safety and health and peace then even I was. So, I asked Him to only
allow the situation to happen if it was beneficial. But, if it was not His will
that He would block it from happening. Peace
that comes from surrender filled me slowly and guess what, that situation was
blocked. I stand amazed again at the Shepherd of my soul. As in Psalm 23, He
does lead me…if I will but follow…to lie in green pastures, next to quiet
waters and yes He restores my soul, He guides me in the path of righteousness
for His name’s sake. It matters not what troubles arise for He is there and He
prepares a table for me in the presence of my enemies and anoints my head with
oil…yes indeed, my cup overflows…
Oh
Lord and Shepherd of my soul, calm my racing thoughts and heart. Help me focus
on Your grace and wisdom for my difficult situations. Life is hard, but I
desire to lean upon Your strength and love to guide my choices and decisions,
so that You will be glorified for Your kindness and sovereignty over my life.
Amen
