09/09/2023 What a beautiful day full of twists and turns. Like all the other days, it is easy to get caught up in what you’re doing, and not be able to enjoy what God has put in front of you. Yesterday, I was having a really hard time in the afternoon struggling over things that were disheartening to me, in different circumstances that would face any soul. I was so down but when I went to help a student, I suddenly realized that the student was down, from the very start of our time together. I was quickened and found myself in a better mood suddenly, and for two reasons: I was desiring so as to see the student happy and feeling like he was in control, and the second reason: I was convicted of my pride in thinking about myself too much. I was able to empathize with the middle schooler, so then as we started to work together on our work, we both found ourselves much more contented to give time to activity, and in fact, became productive. I could tell too, that his effort was there as an encouragement to me. It was rewarding to be a part of that.
In seasons where I have struggled with ideas over trials and holding close to the faith, I feel like Jesus has told me “You’re not working enough”, to which I respond joyfully from hearing from him, but also realizing suddenly that Jesus IS RIGHT, and that the joy often comes in the task of helping others. Don’t we see by now that He wants to help us? Yes, and yes – I do believe that Jesus can give us a forthright message personally that coincides with the Word of God, the Scriptures! “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). And while in the process of doing those things laid out before you on a given day, taking steps of faith at a time, your joy wonderfully becomes “full” as you are heeding that holy command of “love one another”. Sometimes, it takes a bit of grip to love the person you’re with, to look above what the thing is that is troubling you, and give consideration really on how to help that person. No, dare I say – all the time, keeping your eyes on Jesus and thinking of how to help your neighbor takes grip and grit on a continual basis – BUT IT’S WORTH IT! (That’s not to say that time alone with the Lord should be considered less valued, because He is right beside us too!)
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Rebekah's Reflections 