souldare

This is what the Lord says:
“Stop at the crossroads and look around.
    Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it.
Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.
    But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’

(Jeremiah 6:16 NLT)

I was tempted to quote a partial portion of this Scripture. (Like leave out the last sentence.) But I needed to “hear” the whole truth.

In other versions, this verse says to “ask for the ancient paths” and it seems so romantic and alluring. Yes, I want to find the ancient paths. Yes, I want rest for my soul.

But do I want the routine of those paths? Am I willing to do even the smallest task for the love of God?

Brother Lawrence challenges me. He walked in the ancient paths. He dedicated his whole life to GOD. He didn’t categorize his life. The set prayer times of the monastery were no different in his mind, than his contemplation of God while doing his assigned chores.

Here’s how he approached the ancient path:

” . . .in his business in the kitchen (to which he had naturally a great aversion), having accustomed himself to do everything there for the love of GOD, and with prayer, upon all occassions, for His grace to do his work well . . .That with him the set times of prayer were not different from other times . . .because his greatest business did not divert him from GOD.”

Today, as I spent time with GOD+ART, I found a page with seven quality items for your home office. (A lamp, colorful journals, a charging station, pencils, a “LOVE” paper weight, a “to-do” list pad and a clear acrylic tray)

As I contemplated each item, I began to associate them with various disciplines or ways to interact with GOD.

I will list them below, and then explain what they meant to me. They are general enough that you could come up with your own ideas to meet with GOD.

1. Spend time in the Light. (Practice God’s presence through the Word or outdoors.)

2. Make your requests known.(Ask, seek, knock)

3. Recharge your SOUL. (Keep the Sabbath, take a nap, schedule a playdate with GOD)

4.Document the journey. (Write in a journal, take a photo, art journaling or collage)

5. “To-Do List” with all your heart (Offer your “to-do” list to GOD daily)

6. LOVE!

7. #reallifealtars (I have been using Instagram to take a photo of my dirty dishes, unmade bed or piles of clutter to remind myself that these are real life altars, where I can practice the presence of GOD, while I complete the task.

If you use Instagram, take a photo of your “found” altars and mark it #reallifealtars, so we can encourage each other to not get diverted from our love for God. Or send it to me via Twitter @kelrohlf #reallifealtars)

I had fun thinking through these various ways to connect with GOD. Many of these are forms of prayer.

In The Message version, the ancient path was translated: “the tried-and-true road.” Sometimes, I want to find new paths to GOD, but the “tried-and-true” are often the most satisfying. Read the Word. Pray. Serve. Love GOD. Love others. Whatever you do, do as unto the Lord Jesus.

Once again, I am stunned at how practical GOD can be, when He invites us to creatively LOVE HIM with all of who we are!

What ways have you found to LOVE God today?