The Difference It Makes

It wasn't until college that I started to do regular "devotions".  I don't recall anything too structured other than a chapter in whatever devotional I was reading at the time, maybe a Daily Bread. Some of my classes had passages of Scripture I had to read or study, so I don't think that counted.  Back then, it was more of a "have to" than a "want to".

Although I kept up with daily devotions after college, it wasn't until about 10 years ago that I started to take it to a whole other level.  I recall going through a rough time about something and talking with the deacon of my "area" at church about it. He encouraged me to get into the Word but also to study it; to dig, to explore, to look up every word in Strongs and get a deeper understanding.  That challenged me and I did begin to do this. I also started a spiritual journal around this time. The feeling of meeting God each morning became something I not only looked forward to, there was a longing accompanying it. 

Has it mattered? Has it made any difference? Absolutely. Because I know that by reading and studying the Word, I'm also becoming better acquainted with the Author. 

I was reading a passage in "His Imprint, My Expression" this morning that answered the question posed at the beginning of the chapter--"What difference does it make if I'm not in the Word of God on a daily basis?":

"It's the difference between a panic attack in the unexpected jolts of life and a supernatural peace in the midst of the worst storm

It's the difference between confusion and quiet confidence

It's the difference between a dogmatic, hard-nosed, and sometimes belligerent stance and moving in a gentle and patient but uncompromising way

It's the difference between a restless, I-don't-know-what's-missing-but-something-is kind of feeling and a surety that all is well with your soul.

It's the difference between running off in a thousand different directions and a knowing that this is what you are to do".

 



Although I've read this passage before, it spoke to me a little louder this morning.  I often try to explain to people why I choose not to (or try not to!) get too rattled over things. But since I know God and knowthatIknowthatIknow that whatever may come is all orchestrated by His loving hands for my good and growth, why allow a rattling? I was thinking about this this morning and what things tend to throw me off...Like a surprise text from Mark saying that "so-n-so" is coming to town tomorrow and will be staying with us (Clean the bathroom! Move the hair dryer and the cat box! Make sure we have enough stuff for breakfast!) or a dashboard light that comes on (What's wrong? Will I have to rent a car? When is Mark working and can I borrow his car and if I have to takeitothemechaniccanhestakeme and cha ching!!!!!)...But that's me...and the older I get (I'd like to think) the less thrown off I'll be (I hope!)

Does God care how I react to things like this? Yes, I'd like to think so. Even if it's not s storm, per se, it's still an unexpected jolt...and He is working in those "everyday life" situations as well. And knowing Him in the midst of it does make all the difference.