Living in the Spirit
November 4, 2015

Scripture Reading: Psalm 127

Unless the Lord builds the house,
   those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord guards the city,
   the guard keeps watch in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early
   and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
   for he gives sleep to his beloved. –Psalm 127

As many will tell you, I was born with a rather independent streak, which results in much consternation when I am dependent on something that is not working. I love automation, am keying this at a computer as I write, but I hate it when it does not work. It most often does not work when I am in a crunch and have limited time to mess with it. I spent almost two hours on the phone with a technician yesterday trying to figure out why my printer will not print cards that it has been printing on a regular basis for over a year. I am on a tight deadline and did not need this intrusion into my plans. I am now in search of another computer having determined that is the best use of my time.

A few years ago, I would not have slept a wink last night because I would have been stewing and fretting about the problem I just described. Actually, I slept well. I slept well because I am learning, although I am a hard nut to crack, that I am never alone when I am striving to do the will of God. Actually, I have learned that I am never alone when I get off that course. God will provide rest for my soul, when I work with God toward that end first. For although my body and mind may be worn out, it is my soul that must hold me all together. This is true, I think, for all of us.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.*

Prayer: Practicing your presence, O Lord, is the most important thing I can do each day. Help me to remember that. Amen.

*First verse of the hymn, It is Well with my Soul by Horatio G. Spafford. See the whole hymn at http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh377.sht

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized 
Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council 
of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights 
reserved.