COFFEE ON THE DOCK

Some days are better than others, but each day we are given is preferable to no day at all. God’s offer of another diurnal passage portends unlimited possibilities. I am alive with purpose, His purpose. Joys and sorrows come unannounced; that they come is of less import than how I respond. Father, You care for us more than we can know in this world, I praise you for the joys and cast my cares upon You.

It is a delightful mystery how an aroma can transport me to a different place. Fragrances bind with events, places, people; a passing scent can return me to my great grandmother’s home, awaken a lost memory, activate an emotion. God has bequeathed unlimited ways for us to learn, grow and experience fullness of life. O Lord my Creator and Sustainer, I stand in awe of You, I marvel at Your ways.

Every human heart needs a moral guidance system. A life without biblically informed principles is easily swept into the abyss of self-indulgent foolishness. Surrounding culture exerts daily pressure to assimilate. Principle-centered living provides continual protection and accurate navigation. Father, teach me Your ways. Awaken in me a deepening hunger for truth.

Catastrophes have a way of being all consuming; the worse the situation, the more absorbing it is. The beginning point for moving forward is to enthrone God in our praise. As we behold Him, the circumstances of life come into proper perspective. Praise validates the sovereignty of God in our soul. Soon, the effect of praise provokes us to proclaim His greatness to others. Lord, I praise You.

The construction of highways through mountains has always intrigued me. Millions of tons of rock must be repositioned, much of it with explosives. A violent process produces a safe and peaceful journey for subsequent travelers. Only God’s Word can construct a highway through the mountains of confusion we face in this life. Lord, only You offer a thruway of truth and guidance through worldly obstructions.

I generally do better in big crises than with relentless small annoyances. It seems that the SIZE of a difficulty elicits different responses. In BIG problems I quickly realize that I must turn it over to God. With SMALL ones I foolishly feel confident to handle them on my own, but the volume of leaking joy soon empties me. Lord, forgive my self-reliance. Help me entrust to Your hands things both large and small.

Selfishness is incredibly powerful. It can turn liberty into indulgence, freedom into irresponsibility. There can be no outward freedom without internal freedom. Mostly what binds me, what strips away my capacity to practice genuine liberty is my own wandering heart. Master, help me to love You first and always. Deliver me from self-generated anarchy. You alone are Lord.