Catch Up
In the past several weeks we have had an unusual amount of rainfall here in NE Oklahoma. Our local lakes and rivers were at flood stage. Often roads were closed due to flash floods. In the occasional lull between rain showers people rushed to mow their lawns or tend their gardens. Many sun loving plants look peaked. Some folks have had to replant flower and vegetable gardens. Others never had the chance to plant in the first place. In either case weeds have taken over many gardens and landscapes.The rain has stopped. Now the time to catch up begins. When I worked in garden centers I found that there were always a group of people playing catch up. Even in favorable weather the “Grumpy Gus’s” inevitably showed up. The first day of summer arrived and with it hot temperatures and high humidity. Spring fever had long passed. All that was left was the work and sweat of maintaining a garden.
“Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].” (Romans 12:2)
The other day as I was going about my daily routine I caught myself feeling angry. I stopped for a moment and I asked, “Why am I feeling like this? I haven’t felt like this for years. Lord, where did this come from?” I heard His still, quiet, voice answer me. “Compare how you have been spending your time lately. You have read My Word, but have you studied it? You have prayed but have you sat still and listened for My response? How much time have you spent on social media, listening to news casts on the television or reading the headlines of the news papers?” Boom; I was busted. “Lord, I’m sorry.” I looked up Psalm 141:3 and read it out loud: “Lord, guard my mouth, Keep watch over the door of my lips.”
There’s a saying, “If you want weeds to grow in your garden, do nothing.” That is absolutely true. Weeds are much more than an eye sore in our garden. They steal sunlight and valuable nutrients from our precious produce and flowers. All of us have “busy” lives. The bottom line is we all have 24 hours in a day and we will make time for what is important to us. For me the solution was picking up the phone and canceling my subscription to a news paper. I limit my time on social media and am selective to which links I click on. I watch just enough of a news cast to know what is going on then shut off the TV. The spiritual weeds are pulled. The “catch up” time is finished. Now it is time to water, feed, tend, and grow.
We are in the midst of troubling times, my friends. Our enemy knows exactly which trigger to pull for each one of us. Even though we may have won a great victory in a certain area in the past he will keep trying to trip us up. But praise God we sit with Christ in heavenly places. He has given us authority paid for by the blood of Jesus. We have the answer of hope that the world is searching for. It is imperative that we guard our hearts and minds. It may take some work, but, if we are diligent to feed our spirit and soul we can keep the weeds of this life from over taking us. We are on this planet in this time by His divine purpose and plan. We have an assignment. Let’s get busy pulling out the weeds and allow the light of God’s Word to shine on, in, and through us.
“Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.” (1 Peter 5:8-11 (MSG)