“Turning Points: Computer Crashes, Silence & Renewal” Part 5
It
took five days with a busted computer to teach me that I was the one who really
needed fixing. While doing some serious soul-searching, I ran across a story by
Arthur Gordon sharing a doctor’s advice for overcoming difficulties. “Find
an isolated spot and follow the instructions on four slips of paper.” So,
I settled down one long night to study each of the four prescriptions along with
the book of Proverbs.
1.
Listen
Carefully. A poignant reminder
that in this fast paced world, God is still very much in control. I was the one
who needed help. “Come here and listen to me! I’ll pour out the spirit of
wisdom upon you and make you wise.” (Proverbs 1:23)
2.
Try
Reaching Back. A photo album
provided precious memories and golden moments to savor and appreciate. A
treasure trove offering reassurance of the love and acceptance of family,
friends and God’s blessings. “Wherever you walk, their counsel can lead
you. When you sleep, they will protect you.” (Proverbs 6:22)
3.
Reexamine
Your Motives. Are you working
for something bigger than yourself? Whether it’s a call to discover God’s
purpose for your life or the comfort of knowing that you are valued for who you
are reexamine your motives requires courage and demands humility. “Those
who search for me will surely find me.” (Proverbs 8:17)
My
motives had subtly changed over the years and I needed to repent, so in the
quiet early morning hours, alone in the study, I began to cry. For several
minutes, I was trapped by an overwhelming sense of guilt. Yet, this is exactly
where God wanted me. Because without discovering a need to change, I would never
understand what would happen next: The fourth prescription.
Carefully,
I opened the piece of paper and studied the six words: Write your troubles
in the sand.
For
a long time… I didn’t know how to respond. The idea of standing on a quiet
beach and writing my troubles in the sand soon to be washed away by the incoming
tide was certainly comforting. More than anything, I needed the reassurance that
I could be forgiven and continually loved and nourished.
Could
it be that simple? Actually, no! There is something missing. Troubles don’t
disappear so easily. Melancholy is not so quickly washed away. I didn’t find
much help in Proverbs either except for this: “Happy are those who listen
to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home! For
whoever finds me, finds life…” (Proverbs 8:34-35)
Did you catch it?
…listen
to Me …watch
for Me …wait
for Me …if
you find Me, you find life.
This
verse turned out to be the answer but it I didn’t realize it until I noticed a
painting by Thomas Kinkade entitled “A Lighthouse in the Storm.” At first
all you see are waves crashing against the beach poised to destroy all within
their path. It would be a bleak picture if not for the lighthouse. Somehow the
bright light continuing to shine in the storm looks reassuring… comforting.
You sense that no matter how hard the storm rages, the lighthouse will continue
to stand and provide a light for the lost.
Write
your troubles in the sand…
can only take us so far. The foaming waves still attack the beach. Where will I
look to receive strength? The fierce winds still blow you off course. Where will
you find a steady light to guide your way? We need a lighthouse to provide
direction and stability. God says: …listen to Me, watch for Me, wait for
Me… if you find Me, you find life. In other words:
- Listen
carefully. God
is in control… not you. “Come here and listen to me.”
- Try
reaching back.
Look to your treasure trove of memories. “…they will protect you.”
- Reexamine
your motives.
Serve something bigger than yourself. “Those who search…”
- Write
your troubles in the sand.
God’s promise of forgiveness and hope.
- Look
to the lighthouse.
God’s steady light to guide your way. “If you find me, you find
life.”
As the early morning rays slowly crossed the horizon, I realized it had been a long but satisfying night. I lost a computer but gained something far more precious: a restored and renewed relationship with my precious Lord. “Your Word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
I encourage your comments. How have you responded to this last series of messages? Have you been helped? How has your relationship with God improved? :LarryDavies@SowingSeedsofFaith.com
Would you like to receive the
weekly devotions? They are free and you will not receive any other mailings
unless requested -- Click
Here and type "Subscribe!"
Prayer need? Click Here