Tension

As I sat with the Lord recently, I became keenly aware that my upper body was holding tension for no reason other than habit. 

It was subtle, and if I was not sitting in stillness, I likely would not have been aware of it in the slightest. I breathed deeply while instructing my body to release and let go. Immediately, the tension left. 

I have been in a season of intentionally rewiring my mind. A few years ago, my physical circumstances shifted out of chronic, daily chaos into peace; thus God's fulfillment of a word He gave to me years ago: "Then My people will dwell in a peaceful place, in safe and secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest." (Isa 32:18)  

It's been a lengthy process of regaining my physical strength, and an even lengthier process retraining my mind. Though longer than I would have imagined, the journey has been an exceedingly rewarding one. 

The present -- today -- holds the tension of space between the past and the future.  

Depending on life's circumstances, that space can be fluid and relaxed, tight and tense, and everything in between.  Much like I directed my body to release and let go, we do hold the power to do likewise over today, no matter our yesteryears. 

Will we let the tight and tense rob us of today's joy and ease?  

Or will we let the fluid and relaxed rob us of today's stewardship?  

You see, the tension of today isn't a negative unto itself.  It is simply a space holder, much like a tightrope between two points.  It's a matter of perspective, followed up by proper action.

How often do we listen to our thoughts that talk us into a sense of neutrality; where neither joy is experienced nor stewardship is achieved?   

Some are convinced that life's circumstances are less than ideal, unfair even, so they self-soothe with victimology.

Others play their days away because they have been convinced in their minds stewardship is too exhausting, so why bother.  

But neither is truth.  These are mental scripts we haven't properly weighed, sorted, and discarded as the lies they are.

The truth is we have a mighty God who has our days held in His hands; who is shaping, creating, redeeming, and enabling our life to greater and greater victories in Him and through Him IF we walk with Him, obeying His instructions.

I was reminded of Naomi from the Book of Ruth - who grieved loss - and yet, in time, God replaced her grief with great joy. She's one of many examples of God's ability to shape our faith and our victories through trying circumstances if we don't relent. 

Be mindful of today's tension, and its quality. 

Remember, we do not always possess the ability to control circumstances, but we always have the ability to control how we respond.  

Will we reign over life's circumstances through our faith in our sovereign God -- or will be allow them to reign over us, spinning our thoughts, moods, and emotions off our intended path and into the weeds?  

I encourage you to consciously celebrate today - not because of feelings nor circumstances - but because God reigns.  He sees you, He cares, and He longs to hold today's tension, redeem yesterday, and create a joy-filled tomorrow!  The question is will you walk with Him and see greater and greater victories come.... or will you succumb to a false narrative?  

Word of warning: Neutrality doesn't actually exist.  It's an illusion.  You are either progressing or regressing.

Remember, as a man THINKS, so is he.  (Prov 23:7) 

Peace 🤍