Noticing a slip into laziness and a lean toward unhealthy withdrawal, I did some self-examination and recognized the danger. I could float and be fine. Is that what I wanted?
In some moments – YES. But when I thought more deeply – NO.
How could I channel anxious, scattered energy toward an intention that innovates in this situation rather than just maintains or goes backward? Anxious thoughts can be a good springboard to creative thinking.
BE AWARE OF YOUR THOUGHTS
“…know my anxious thoughts” Psalm 139:23
I do believe there are times when maintaining is all we can muster! I have certainly been there. But right now, I’m called to more, to stepping up, out of comfort into a new normal. So, I ask God to awaken me to the thoughts that are ruling me today.
INNOVATE YOUR SOUL
“Behold, I’m doing a new thing….” Isaiah 43:19
God is always doing new things. Are we joining Him?
I think of the “disciplined distinctiveness” of the Rechabites. Who are they?
They were an Israelite family group that had taken on an identity due to a discipline their forefather had passed down to them. They were so distinctive holding firmly to his ways. It could have become a legalistic stance, but it became a wonderful call to “disciplined distinctiveness”, as Eugene Peterson called it in his book Run with the Horses. God was using the example of the Rechabites to call His people to deep and careful observation of His Word.
“Will you not receive instruction by listening to My words?” Jeremiah 35:13
(like that family took instruction from their father?)
The particular discipline was not the point, rather the fact that they held strongly to something they had committed to. Like when Daniel was so resolved to not eat defiled food. It distinguished him. It wasn’t merely the outward act but rather the inner resolve he was strengthened to uphold for God’s purposes. It set him apart.
Where does your soul need innovation?
What new thing does God want to work in you?
What area of life comes to mind?
With all the talk of resilience in this unprecedented time, what priority in your life needs to be innovated for greater resilience?
TAKE A STEP
(This is where the difference is made: In the time that you sit, settle, chase away distraction, write things down if you need to to clear your mind. Then sit, incline your heart Godward and let Him speak. He’s waiting. Isaiah 30:18)
The step I’m taking is a mental tweaking, redirecting my level of engagement with others, to be more active and helpful rather than just getting by with a low relational attention. This kind of step will take awareness and practice, but will expand my heart and my reach.
“…because of practice…their senses are trained to discern….” Heb. 5:14
What soul practice is God prompting you to innovate?
2 thoughts on “Soul Innovation”
So good mom! The Lord was speaking a very similar message to me the last two days. So this is very confirming. I desperately want to be intentional to listen to God about the use of my time, and being innovative about maximizing my stewardship of it. – especially when there is far more that I want to do than I can possibly fit in. God is teaching me a serious lesson about the discipline of saying NO to good things I want to do where there are better things he wants me to do. Prioritizing the best things is so hard, and takes such intentionality and discipline. Thanks for your insights!
Yeah, so many turning points offered in our lives. Thinking of you guys in this time of new paradigms! Thanks for tracking Brad. Always encourages me!