December 16th, 2022
Many of us can probably relate to answering questions with the response, “I’m working on it!” People from all ages have most likely used the phrase; parents asking if homework is finished; teachers/professors asking if papers are finished; supervisors asking if projects are finished…the list could go on and on. Try to remember the last time you were ask a question and responded with “I’m working on it,” how did it make you feel? Did you feel pressure to complete the “work” quicker? Did it just seem like a polite question or an accusing question? Something questions are just that, an inquiry; no drama involved. My personal experiences have given insights to my own self-consciousness, I feel guilty at the question if I haven’t been working as diligently as I could. For the longest time, and sometimes still my thoughts deceive me and fill me with negativity, I am learning that this is a learned behavior. I am slowly recognizing that learned behaviors can be unlearned and replaced with more realistic thought patterns.
How might “I’m working on it” be answered in our spiritual life? Has the Holy Spirit caused you to pause or questions things in your life that you are working on? Life is being alive! I believe that we all have things in our lives that we should or could be “working on,” and I want to share one of mine with you. I share because I want to be honest and authentic.
My “I’m working on it,” is attending Sunday morning worship services at the church at which I am a member of. I have very dear friends who pray for me and an Elder who checks in on me as well. My main reason for not attending has to do with my work schedule and sleep schedule. I work 2nd shift and often do not get home from work until 11 pm and I generally try to get 9 hours of sleep at night. I can certainly get by on less at times. This is a reasonable explanation for missing services. But, I do often feel guilty about not attending, I think figuring out where the guilt comes from is an important piece to figure out. Truly, there’s more reasons and they are difficult to articulate and I haven’t sorted it all out, yep, “I’m working on it.” I try to stay connected through two separate women’s groups that meet once a month. One group is called the JULIETS (Jolly Unique Ladies Informally Eating Together Somewhere) and a Bible study group called “Esther’s Circle.” I love all the women in these groups and they love with their whole hearts. I am thankful to them for their love and support.
The Joy of Forgiveness – Psalm 32
A Psalm of David
A Maskil (a person versed in Hebrew or Yiddish literature)
1 Blessed is the one
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
2 Blessed is the one
whose sin the Lord does not count against
them and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night
your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
my transgressions to the Lord.”
And you forgave
the guilt of my sin.
6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you
while you may be found;
surely the rising of the mighty waters
will not reach them.
7 You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
9 Do not be like the horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you.
10 Many are the woes of the wicked,
but the Lord’s unfailing love
surrounds the one who trusts in him.
11 Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart!
Below are some Bible verses that have been helpful to me and I hope they are to you as well.
“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
~Psalm 9:9-10~
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
~Philippians 4:19~
“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
~Psalm 32:7-8~
“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
~1 Peter 5:7~
And so let me
let you hold me
when I have come
to the place beyond
the willingness to labor
beyond anything but
the longing for rest.
Let my emptiness
be emptiness
till it reveals to me
your face,
and let my weariness
be weariness
till it prompts me to your rest.
Then may I know
the healing of slumber,
and the possibility of dreams;
then, may I greet the dawn
and take up my work again.
— Jan Richardson
To read more about JULIETS click this link. JULIETS (Jolly Unique Ladies Informally Eating Together Somewhere)
Friends— Remember the JOY of this season of Advent as we wait in anticipation for the birth of Jesus. Jesus brings JOY to a hurting world, He care for you and me, the whole wide world! Choose JOY today. I am so grateful for your visit today, thank you💟
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
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