COFFEE ON THE DOCK

Life is replete with letdowns. Some are truly consequential, but most are petty. Yet, the small ones often stick together, mushrooming into something more ominous. If not diminished, discouragement will set in. Learning to cast our disappointments into the sea of God’s love is vital to spiritual advance. Father, may Your unfailing love be my comfort. Fill my heart with Your joy and teach me to console others.

 One of the characteristics of the fallen nature of man is that we still have the same genetic code of our created purpose, but continually seek to fulfill it with our own stipulations. I counteract the inward advantage God gives me to achieve His best by dishonest surrender. Dearest Lord, abandonment to Your will on Your terms is the only legitimate path. Help me today to obey authentically.

I have little capacity for doing good to those who do me harm, yet I am commanded to love my enemies. Definitely still working on this. God openly gives without partiality or contempt, even to those who refute His very existence. His example is my only hope. Lord, even, when I turn away from Your merciful goodness, You do not cast me aside. As rain flushes a gutter, You wash away my guilt.

I am ignorant about so many things, yet I am good with that. A quick and curious mind has not always served me well. There is a blessedness in not knowing. The arrival of unfiltered information often torments my soul. O God Our Maker, help me to know only those things that bring life. Surround me with Your Presence and teach me to distinguish between the knowledge of good and evil.

Transformational change requires more than wishing. While ultimately it is a work of God’s grace, our part is critical. I must learn to take direct, prompt action, only to be halted by the very One who has taught me to move ahead. Wait, wait, wait; okay now. Such is the spirit-guided life. Like manna in the wilderness, lessons are there every day to be taken. Lord, I thank You and exalt You for Your daily work in me.

Adam’s first breath came directly from the mouth of God; a pile of gathered dust turned to life. Even still, the Lord declares mastery over death, imparting life by what proceeds from His mouth. Every last corner of darkness in me will be filled with the Light of His love pursuit as His Words of Life are spoken. Oh Lord my Creator, You own every part of me. Help me breath deeply.

Disappointments are as much a part of life as breathing; reality rarely matches expectations. Dwelling on letdowns, large or small, can lead to discouragement and discontent. There is a more excellent way. Today I choose to lay hold of divine proclamation: “all things work together for good.” Lord I do love You and know that Your purpose is never thwarted by passing circumstances. It is well with my soul.