A little soul-searching

A friend posted this verse this morning:  Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah (Psalms 4:4 NKJV)

Simple verse, but it can take a lifetime to learn to live it. First, to be able to control one’s temper…without thinking or saying or doing anything ugly. I might be able to control my actions (sometimes) or even my tongue (less often), but my thoughts? How many times does a retaliatory thought pop into my head? Way too often, I’m afraid. How many times do I pop off and say something in return? Still guilty. Learning to return good for evil is a challenge and a commandment that I struggle with daily:  Bless (this means to speak well of or praise) those who persecute you; bless and do not curse… Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:14, 20-21 NKJV)

The second part of this passage is also challenging, but in a different way. Learning to control my temper is fighting against my human passion…bringing it under control…and replacing it with the love of God. Learning to be still and meditate is a more subtle struggle. Calming my mind…focusing on God. At times, it comes very easily, such as when I’m observing an awesome view of nature. Sometimes, it comes with just a little bit of effort, such as when I’m driving down the road, alone, and choose to spend the time talking to God and admiring His creation. But during my normal, daily routine…it is very challenging. When I’m taking a break and sitting in my recliner, do I meditate and allow the Spirit to move in me? Or do I busy my mind with TV or reading for pleasure or playing games on my computer? I’m afraid I am guilty of the latter. I have what I refer to as a “lazy mind”.  I don’t like to think deep thoughts most of the time. I like to keep things light and easy and relaxing. Which is a bit ironic, don’t you think? Look at the language used in the psalm…be still.  That imagery is one of peace and contentment. Why is it so hard for me to achieve? Why must I constantly fill my mind with trivialities? Why can’t I allow the Spirit to help me find true peace? And it follows that if I spend more time working on this, the first part of the verse will also get easier! Amazing how that works, huh?

Anyway, I’m grateful for Sherry sharing this verse today. It stirred up my heart and helped me spend a bit more time today in meditating on God’s Word and doing a little soul-searching. I hope it has done the same for you.