“Do everything without grumbling or a contentious spirit...” (Phil. 2:14); “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts...” (Col. 3:15); “God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.” (1 Cor. 1:9).
Lord Jesus, when a toddler gets “turned sideways,” whiney, cranky, and not fun to be with, we often assess the situation as a missed nap, possible low-grade temperature, “just being a toddler,” or crashing after a sugar high. And, most definitely, it’s an early confirmation that every child came into the world needing you and the Gospel.
But when we adults, who already know you, drift, fall, jump, or settle into “grumbling” and “a contentious spirit”—there are precipitating factors and triggers, for sure. Time out and a nap might actually be quite helpful.
However, just yesterday, as my body language began to speak in “unholy tongues,” and I felt knottier, more rigid, grumbly, and irritated in my spirit, you graciously reminded me, more than a nap, I need you—all the time.
If I don’t guard my heart—feed, nourish, protect it (Prov. 4:23), any of a number of things will rule there (Prov. 23:26). If I forget (or ignore) my calling to daily fellowship with you and our faithful Father, I’ll “fellowship” with my critical spirit, sense of entitlement, fears, self-pity, war news, “what if’s,” “if only’s” and the list goes on.
So, on this March Friday, I am thankful for new mercies, your kind welcome, and sufficient grace. I’m not going to beat myself up about yesterday, or make vain promises about tomorrow. Come, Jesus, and may your peace rule in my heart this one day. So Very Amen.