Hello June

Hello family! Can you believe we are halfway through the year? I don’t know about you, but time seems to pass by more quickly as I’m getting older.  I’m learning not to do so much that I miss being present. I have often mistaken being busy for being productive.  Being busy was a method for numbing the things that was going on in my life. It was a distraction.

I’m still learning to let go of the distractions and to live intentionally.  Living intentionally is different from being busy.  It encompasses the spirit, soul, and body. There is a purpose in living intentionally with God. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 says, “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Our spirit connects with God. Our thoughts and emotions connect with our soul. Our body is a physical shell that allows us to connect with others.

I stayed busy because it allowed me to disconnect from my spirit, soul, and body.  That’s the opposite of what God wants. He designed us to have relationships. First to have a relationship with Him and then to have relationships with others.

I was dealing with a lot of hurt and was struggling with forgiveness. Forgiveness wasn’t easy for me.  God loves the forgiving heart and will give you the act of will to forgive. Forgiveness doesn't mean that the person is right. It's a choice to let go and not dwell again and nurture the pain. I’m still learning to pray for the offender. I remind myself mercy is an undeserved favor and pray for God to heal my broken heart.

How do I live intentionally with God? I continue to delight more of Him. Psalm 37:4-5 says, “Delight in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.”

Delight means to take pleasure, great joy, and satisfaction in God, commit your way (life) and trust in Him.  God promises He will give you the desires of your heart.

It’s the smallest of things that often brings me the most joy. A walk around the lake that allows my spirit, soul, and body to connect with God. I never noticed the beautiful flowers, birds, and soft wind.  Now I just marvel at God’s design of nature all around me. I take great pleasure in Him.  Whenever a thought comes up that is not of His joy and His peace, I strike it down and remember the grace and mercy He continues to extend to me.  It’s much better to live with His joy and peace than to stay angry and bitter.

There’s six more months left in 2022.  I pray that you will push pause on busy and press play with God.  I hope that you will join me in living intentionally versus being numb.  God desires your presence and fellowship with Him so take great pleasure in Him and enjoy the life He has given you.