Spiritual Belt

I have a confession to make . . . I lose weight, then gain it back. Lose it again and gain it back again. I have a belt to prove it.

The belt has not one, but three notches that are well worn. Sometimes I come very close to throwing the belt away, but hold on to it because it's one of my favorites. When I am at my last notch I realize how close I am to losing the belt for good. When I am smaller and three notches into the belt, I smile as I remember I am not where I used to be  . . . larger.

If I had a spiritual belt, I wonder what it would look like? It think it would look the same as the belt I wear. Sometimes I am lazy, sluggish, and distracted. It is at these times I began to realize that I am getting near to losing something very special -- a close relationship with my Heavenly Father. When I am lean, focused and dedicated, I look at the last notch and realize I'm not where I used to be.

As I go into a new year I once again spend time reflecting on the past 12 months. In the physical I ask: How did I do with my weight? my eating habits? my sleep habits? my job performance? Then I move on towards the spiritual and I ask: How did I do spending time praying? reading my Bible? memorizing scripture? studying God's Word? reaching out to others? I could go on and on with both the physical and spiritual "check up."

What have I decided? This year I am pulling my belt tighter; physically -- "Only one piece of pie please. Yes, the small one will do", and spiritually -- spending quiet moments reflecting, praying, and thanking God for His love and most of all His gift to us, His Son Jesus.

What would your spiritual belt look like?

image courtesy of photobucket.com

Help!

“I will lift my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber” (Psa. 121:1-3 NIV).

We all have times when we cry out for help. It could be we need help with our health, a relationship, finances, decisions, things that are out of our control and we need to accept, or just to get through a difficult day. I don't know about you, but when I need help I usually go to someone close to me—a family member or close friend. But I'm reminded today that this is not where my help comes from. 

Who is my helper?
The One who made heaven and earth.

How does He help me?
He will not let my foot slip.

What does He do for me?
He watches over me and does not slumber.

Take heart my friends, and remember the One who made all we see and can't see is available to help us through our most difficult trials. He loves us and watches our ever step. And He won't miss a single step we take because He never sleeps. Matter of fact, when we sleep He not only watches over us, He sings over us.  

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; . . .will rejoice over you with singing." (Zeph. 3:17 NIV).

When you cry out for help, lift your eyes and listen closely with your heart . . . you may actually hear the lullaby of love that God is singing over you.