Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- June 24, 2013
Be happy young man while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart. Ecclesiastes 11:9
Sometimes we are guilty of taking ourselves too seriously. We get caught up in our little world of what we have to do, where we have to go and who we have to please. Joy jettisons from our heart because we are driven by a “have to” attitude. Unfortunately for our health and for those who love us we become consumed by our agenda, our desires, our worries, our ideas, our work, our hobbies and our needs. Sadly, our unmet expectations become joy killers with no heart.
How do you know if you are taking yourselves too seriously? Suddenly others become the object of your fury. They don’t seem to take things seriously enough. You erroneously think, “If they would just do what I want and work as hard as me, both of our worlds would be much better off!” You act like the Lord can’t get by without you, however the reverse is true. You can’t get by without Him. So, shed the world from your shoulders. Perhaps on your next vacation you totally disconnect from technology. No phone, email. Try it. Lighten up and let the Lord work for you.
The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. Psalm 103:6
What is the solution for taking ourselves too seriously? Humility. A humble heart is released from the motivation of being the main attraction. When we walk in humility we are content to be behind the scenes and let others receive the attention. Like Jesus and by His Spirit, we empty ourselves of our reputation and expectations and replace them with His. We let go of our work and we let God work. We learn to take ourselves less seriously and the Lord more seriously.
Therefore, enjoy the peace and contentment that accompanies a non acrimonious approach to life. Seek harmony not hostility. Give instead of take. Laugh at yourself and laugh with others over your quirks. Be yourself. Be still. Know God. Joy comes from being with Jesus. So, draft behind where God is working, instead of striving to get your way. Guard your heart from an overly serious state. Invite Christ’s calmness to relax your countenance and return your smile.
Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.” Luke 10:21
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the courage to take myself less seriously and You more seriously.
Related Readings: Psalm 19:8, 126:2; Nehemiah 8:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; Philemon 1:7
Post/Tweet today: Let go of your work and let the Lord work. #trust
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© 2013 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
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Oh, I wish I had followed this advice when I was younger. Now that I’m a senior, I try to live one day at a time with joy and thanksgiving. God gave us the ability to laugh, to see the beauty of our surroundings, and to love others as ourselves. Reap the rewards!
I need this reminder often. Even more when I get wrapped up in my to do list. Also at work. This was written just for me.