Abiding | On RUMINATION
What are you thinking about
day and night?
5 Min
When you are worried about something you can't control, you don't have to be strong enough to fix it. The strength that holds you is like a tree's root system, deeper than the storm and mostly unseen. You can stop gripping the control you never really had, and let yourself be held by the God who is already with you, whatever the outcome.
Reflect
In the Psalms selection today we read:
But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.
What are you finding yourself thinking about day and night?
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It can be tempting to think about our worries and what ifs. But if we can choose to focus on the best things in life, particularly the love of God for us personally and his good promises, we can be like these trees. Fed, watered, nourished and, as a result, becoming fruitful at the right time and experiencing unwithering Shalom, holistic prosperity.
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It’s important, therefore - vitally important - to guard our hearts. What “guarding your heart” looks like for each person is different. For me, I’ve taken a step back from checking the news headlines this year because it causes me to focus too much on things I can’t control, lessening my focus on the things I can control and have the opportunity to produce.
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For you, the news might not have that effect. But what does? Is there anything in your life that you focus on so much that it robs you of your power, strength and peace? Consider taking specific actions that can help minimize your exposure to those thoughts. Then begin replacing the thoughts with things above - such as these verses, for one - so you can walk in greater peace and joy.
How This Matters to a Mom
If you are reading Psalm 1 and part of you is quietly wishing you felt that grounded, that stable, you are not alone. A lot of mornings don't feel stable. They feel reactive. The kids' moods set the weather, and you bend with every gust of it. You are told to be strong, and you want to be, but if you are honest, sometimes you don't need to be strong. Sometimes you need to be held.
Here is what I keep noticing about that tree. The wind blows and the branches sway. From the outside it can look like the tree is barely holding on. But the root system goes so much further than anything you can see above the ground. The part doing the holding is hidden. I think that is true of you too.
So here is the small thing you might do this morning. Picture Jesus holding your hand even while you are trying to shut Him out. Picture Him patient, not pressuring, just waiting for you to open your eyes to Him. You don't have to muster anything. You don't have to fix the thing you can't control. Just let yourself be held. No matter what you are walking through, He is with you.
Respond
- What are you finding yourself thinking about day and night?
- Is there anything in your life that you focus on so much that it robs you of your power, strength and peace?
