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There are few things in life more disconcerting and somewhat frustrating than the uncertainty that accompanies change. And uncertainty most certainly invites his friends, anxiety and insecurity, to the misery party hosted by Mister E. Future.
Unless, of course, the door is shut and the house already occupied. The pity party is banned from beginning, when we surrender our hearts to Christ for safekeeping. The key to the locket of our hearts should be given to the lover of our souls, Jesus Christ.
The key to the locket of our hearts is our minds. With our thought life we “open” our hearts and allow either good or evil to enter (see Mat 9:4). And evil, like weeds, have a tendency to choke and smother every little bit of life flowing (growing) from our hearts until it becomes critical- cold and numb, even dead (John 13:2)… and our ability to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, to laugh, to be kind-hearted and gentle, generous and gracious, dwindles.
Giving this key- our minds- to Jesus require a daily surrender… it’s not a once-off thing. The word speaks of renewing our minds (Eph 4:23) and to rejoice in the Lord, always- every day (Ph 4:4) and as Phillipians 4:8 says: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Php 4:9, What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me) -practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Practising is not a once-off deal but rather a persistence to improve or at the very least to keep the state achieved permanent.
Interestingly, the previous part of this scripture says: “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Ph 4:6-7)
A heart hidden in Christ is safe from the shakings and the storms of change.
Oh, how quickly we become outward focused in times of uncertainty! Instead of focusing on our inward state of heart, we start worrying about the outward such as appearances and the approval of men, “I wonder what they are thinking”, we worry about provision and protection “how will we make it financially?”, “what’s going to happen to me?”.
Again, a heart hidden in Christ is safe from the shakings and the storms of change.
Probably the most beautiful and most applicable scripture in the Word for women (ok, according to me) is that of 1 Pet 3:4 that puts the priority of the state of our hearts so eloquently into perspective: “but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious”.
Some say that this scripture is partly the reason for certain religious groups refusing to allow their women to make use of modern amenities such as make-up. What Peter was actually trying to say is that women must not put their trust in the outward, like appearances (that perishes) but rather, their trust should be in God (imperishable). He did not say you are not allowed to make yourself pretty (I thank God for Clarins, Christian Dior and Guerlain). But he very clearly and cleverly emphasised that outer beauty is really only “skin-deep”. Our focus should not be outward but rather inward!
Others have also mentioned to me that this scripture is not applicable to them because they are not “quiet” but rather loud. Again, the “quiet spirit” that Peter was referring to has nothing to do with personality types. It refers to the state of our hearts: filled with confidence in Christ; peace that surpasses understanding.
“In quietness and trust is your strength” Isa 30:15. When we wait upon the Lord we shall renew our strength (Isa 40:31; Psa 27:14).
Psa 31:24 “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!”
Psa 37:7 “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him”
Pro 4:20-22: “My son, pay attention to my words, and listen closely to what I say. Do not let them out of your sight; keep them within your heart.”
When we quiet our hearts and ponder upon His words and ways and works and wonders, we will receive the strength to guard our hearts…
“He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious,
will have The King as his Friend”. From Pro 22:11
God appoints the seasons and the change of seasons. There is nothing we can do about that. But we can decide how we will respond. May we respond with quiet confidence in Christ; an unfaltering faith in Him- our friend, our King.
“On the inside of the heart locket… a single picture of the lover of my soul. Come change, come, for my heart is steadfast.”
Enjoy the one week of real deal holiday ;)
Much love, Liezl
