Monday, June 6, 2016

Memories. Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 3:1

Memories
The last few weeks have been challenging, to say the least.  On top of the pain in my feet, I’ve been facing some personal challenges from my past:  memories.

I love these lyrics from Barbara Streisand’s song, The Way We Were.
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/aa/3e/a9/aa3ea978b1119352c68d8baace05f1ea.jpg
What’s too painful to remember, we simply chose to forget………or we forget to survive………..
Funny thing about memories….they’re always there, just below the surface……..when they emerge, there can be
pain
denial
shock
confusion. 




I know. 
I’ve been there. 
And survived.
Maybe one day, by God’s grace, I can say I’ve thrived.

Maybe one day, you too will say you’ve thrived.
Or perhaps you already have. 

On this part of my journey,
I have spent much time talking with God…but minimal time in His Word. 
I have spent much time listening to Praise and Worship music, listening to Him speak to me.
The pain is deep. 
The healing is deeper.
I’m taking my time.
He knows my heart.


S.O.A.P.
Now I’m ready to spend time in His Word. 
I need a new start,
a new way to be with Him,
to reveal my raw, tender emotions
and receive His healing. 
I’m ready.
Enter S.O.A.P
This is a Bible study method to lather up and soak in God’s Word.  I’m going to try it – yup – you guessed it – for a month. 
As you can see, S.O.A.P., stand for Scripture, Oberservation, Application, and Prayer.  I agree with others - adding an “s” to make it S.O.A.P.S. – to share what I’m learning.  You can read more about it here.
 
I’m not sure if I’ll blog every day like I did with this challenge, but I do know my time with God will be changing, evolving.  He and I have some deep work to do. 
So, here goes!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 3:1

Scripture:


Observation:
I am focusing on verse one.  Many times, I look at the verbs in verses.  When I do this, God’s message to me for that day really pops.

My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart

Wow!  

Application:
As I was reeling from the shock of painful, emerging memories, I knew that I would not forget God’s teaching that He was faithful, loving and kind.  He was there – right there.  I remembered His teachings, especially this one:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
Lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.  
Proverbs 3:5-6

And keeping his greatest commands in mind – to love him with all that we are and then to love our neighbor – even the one who hurt us. 

Boy, I am sure not there – yet.

Prayer:
Lord, teach me how to love my neighbor – even the one who hurt me.  Help me to live up to Your command and to remember Your teachings…..

Wow.
Powerful.
I have a lot to think about.
I have a lot of growing to do.
I’m not perfect.
I’m learning.
It’s tough…..

Thank God for this song…..

2 comments: