Blessed is one who is always cautious, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into trouble. Proverbs 28:14, TLV

Never Give Up…     Shabbat Shalom! You know what? Sometimes life can beat us down. Sometimes life is so complicated we want to check out. Hide from the daily grind and ignore our responsibilities. It’s hard work to do right by our faith, our family, our job — to God.

It is true that our salvation is not through our works. Our salvation is through the hard-won redemption of His Son.

However, our sanctification is through very real efforts on our part to seek God’s will in all things. We’re to be purposeful — cautious — in our walk.

There are Times

There are times when we get lazy, or busy, or distracted, or tired. We can be less attentive and veer off our path. If we don’t mind our walk as carefully as we should, we can stumble and fall.

Whether we veer off course or stumble and fall, guess who’s there? Our Heavenly Father. Not to condemn or accuse us, but to guide us back or pick us up (Proverbs 24:16)

Knowing that keeps our hearts from hardening from the “what’s the use” attitude. The “who cares” attitude. Failing only happens when we give up. Giving up sets a hardening in motion.

How can we keep our hearts pliable and open — not hardened by life’s challenges? Here are a couple of thoughts — things I do:

• Keep things simple. Long before there was Pinterest and HGTV, I was taking the domestic arts to ridiculous heights. The result, I was too exhausted to enjoy my daughter, my husband, my guests, my life—especially during the holidays. I still try to make things special for my family and guests, but I’ve dialed it back considerably. Each of us knows what the areas are where we can go overboard. Rethink those things. Think about what our goals are: to do it or do it perfectly. Remember, there was only ONE human who is perfect. (Note: it wasn’t any of us.)
• Counting. We have a choice of what we count: counting our blessings or our trials. We all have trials — some more than others. We can have seasons of sorrow. Focusing on our blessings, focusing on the love of God for us does not mean we don’t acknowledge the difficulty we’re going through. It means we know the difficulty will pass, but His love for us is eternal. When we count our blessings, we’re better able to hear His guidance and comfort.
• No excuses. When we mess up, humble ourselves and admit it. If we sin, repent. If we make a mistake, own it and apologize when necessary. Really, it makes life so much simpler.
• Sacred Places. Whether in the morning, during your lunch break at work, or in the evening, or all of these, connect with the Lord. Read His word. Pray. Journal, if you can. Draw, if you’re able. Walk around the neighborhood. Find the places where you and He connect and stay there, if only for a few minutes.
• Forgive. Forgiveness is like an onion. It comes with layers and inevitably a lot of tears. If the offense or hurt is new, peel off the first layer by forgiving out of obedience. Whenever we’re reminded of the hurt, and it comes with sorrow or anger, peel off another layer with forgiveness. Keep peeling until it’s gone. You’ll never be sorry that you did.
• Choose joy. Yes, joy is a choice. Happiness comes from circumstances. Joy rises above them. What helps me to choose joy is remembering His goodness in my life. Reading His word. Praise and worship music. I center myself in Him, breathe, and smile as I choose.
• Rest — Taking a true Sabbath. Even the busiest person can and should rest. It’s commanded, so that’s important, but it’s also how our Creator built us. Our family celebrates Shabbat on Saturday as commanded thousands of years ago, but truthfully, I seldom rest. It’s such a beautiful time to minister to others and show hospitality. So, I have to choose another day to recharge my body and have one-on-One time with the Lord. Our Heavenly Father built us for work, play, and rest. Don’t forget any of these. I think He knows what He’s doing, don’t you?

If we’re cautious to keep our heart pliable and open, we can live an abundant life. A life filled with the fragrance of Jesus. A life that others will want to know more about. If we don’t give up, not only will our life be better, but others, too. And that’s a good thing.

Think More About It

Do you struggle keeping your heart pliable and open? What might keep that from happening?

Until tomorrow, may we live a cautious, abundant life, my friends.

Praying for Israel

Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands of the elders. Practice these things—be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be clear to all. Give attention to yourself and your teaching. Persevere in these things, for in doing so you will save yourself and those who hear you. 1 Timothy 4:14-16, TLV

This is an unusual petition for Israel. I was thinking of my friends and their important work in Israel. They have shared that sometimes—more often than they had hoped—they become discouraged. Not that they would give up, but honestly, who hasn’t had those fleeting thoughts? Today, let’s pray Paul’s prayer for his spiritual “son” Timothy. That our brothers and sisters would give attention to themselves and their teachings and work. To persevere even amid these very real and challenging difficulties. Amen? God bless you and Shabbat Shalom.