“The wise counsel God gives me when I’m awake is confirmed by my sleeping heart.” Psalm 16.6
There are several ways to know if I allowed stress to penetrate my body and mind. The obvious signal is the flaky skin falling off my lips. I do not know why it happens; Chap Stick merely aggravates the situation!
For me this situation is like arguing with the sky. The only real question is whether I am going to recognize that I am stressing body and mine. Yes or no, am I going to admit reality?
When I listen to my body giving me a reading, I am able to recognize forces working in my life. Last week the quantity of flakes coming off qualified as bad dandruff! I know why!
Last week I struggled to listen to God’s wise counsel. I kept fighting to do it myself, be in charge. This weekend the struggle again reached a peak followed by a fresh commitment to God and walking in faith. A few days of listening and seeking to follow God and the lips are almost back to their originals. God is the difference.
I wonder if I can learn this lesson and move on to the next challenge. Am I willing to life a life of faith in God, letting God make the decisions and choices in life? Do I believe God is able to do what is best in all circumstances? Do I accept unconditional grace? Do I believe?
A friend reminded me that they have a special room in their prayer for me. This friend gives wise counsel and seems to know when I need a lift. Is he special? Yes, but not for the obvious reason. He is special because he allows God to be in charge of his life. He is special because his fingers are often God’s fingers, his voice God’s voice, his walk God’s walk. Is he perfect? No, he is just like you and I, struggling with similar challenges.
You and I can listen, I know because God told me so.
