Where I Live

I'm studying the book of Proverbs. Chuck Swindoll says: "Psalms tells us how to get along with God. Proverbs tells us how to get along with people." I think he has it right.

Getting along with each other isn't always what we wish it to be. Truthfully, I find I react more than I respond. Reacting doesn't take much thought, only emotions without reasoning. Responding does take time and thought, and I've never been one to "think before I speak." That's not easy to admit, especially being a Chaplain.

Responding in calm confidence is not something I've done well. Even though I've been taught to, and taught others to practice a "non-anxious" presence, I find practicing it is much harder. I ask God everyday for his common sense wisdom but I'm finding out I have to practice it. For me it helps by studying the book of Proverbs.

Author Chuck Swindoll says: "When we respond in God's 'calm confidence' there is a remarkable absence of fear. We are not seized with panic. We view things with God-given objectivity. We can then handle things in His Wisdom. We can then live in the palm of His Hand."

It made me think: Well, where do I live? Truth be known, I mostly live between the deep well of stubborn independence and the state of convenience. Shamefully I admit I live life when He is convenient for me; when He is expedient for me; when His will aligns with mine. Wow! That's embarassing to admit. But that's the reality of my walk with Jesus. I'm inconsistent and somewhat like Felix when Paul
approached him and Felix said, "At some more convenient time." (If I'm truly His child and His servant, there is never a more convenient time. The time to serve is now!)

I don't want to be like Felix! I would rather be more like Paul. Better yet, I would rather be more like Jesus. I have to ask myself, "Is Jesus enough?" If He is, then why don't I live like it?

I desire to live in pleaseing the Lord, to be obedient, to understand His wisdom, and to do His will. I so want His God-given objectivity in my life. So, I keep on keeping on in His word and prayer:

"Lord, open my mind and heart to your perfect plan for my life. Give me the gumption to follow through. Grant me the dedication I need to know and live out your Word. Help me be consistent in my walk with You. Your Word is so very precious to me. Please help me commit it to memory and to my daily life. You loved me first.
Help me love you back in my walk as well as my talk. Thank you, Savior and Lord!"

Anyone else out there searching through the wisdom of Proverbs? Anyone else need help getting along with others? Join me in trying to bring some balance to our hectic lives. I encourage you to study the book of Proverbs and to practice loving others by "responding in His calm confidence."

Chaplain Phyllis Poe