A Goldilocks Life

Deep Diving

During the COVID pandemic, while our church didn’t meet for several months, I decided to read through the Bible in a year. It may have been something our pastor encouraged us to do. I don’t remember what got me started.

This wasn’t my first time taking on this challenge, but it had been a while since I’d attempted to meet that goal. I finished whatever part of the Bible I was currently studying and began reading methodically through God’s word using a chronological Bible we had on our bookshelf. As I did, I jotted down passages on a large bookmark that I wanted to do a deep dive into after the year was through or my goal of finishing the Bible was met, whichever came first.

I may have been a month or so behind by the time I finished the whole Bible, but I ended up with a long list of passages or subjects I didn’t understand or just plain found intriguing.

I’ve been on this deep dive journey for a while, and I’ve grown in my understanding of passages such as Ezekiel 37 and the dry bones, the vision of Daniel in chapter 7, and Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount recorded in Matthew chapters 5-7. I’ve learned more than only Bible truths. I realized that larger sections such as the Sermon on the Mount were a bit too lengthy for a deep dive since it covers many topics. It was very enriching but overwhelming and took at least a year.

When you come across a Bible passage you don’t understand or find interesting, I suggest you jot it down for later study. You’ll be rewarded as I have been now that I’ve finished Matthew 5-7 and begun a deep dive into the prologue portion of John chapter 1.

May our Lord Christ bless you as you seek to know Him better by diving into His word.

Groan, Groan

A few years ago, I remember a day when my state of mind was “Groan, groan.” Ever felt that way? A woman in the YMCA locker room even commented on my loud sigh. I didn’t think it was that obvious.

I’m not sure what set me off. Maybe it was Mom going to the bathroom three times within 15 minutes. She would forget she went so would run and go again, making us late for wherever we were heading. That’s Alzheimer’s for you. Perhaps my granddaughter’s refusal to read any of the books we borrowed from the library added to my aggravation. The jaw pain I thought was finally improving returned with a vengeance, making eating difficult.

It’s easy to be discouraged, says the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 5, verses 1-4. We aren’t in heaven yet, and sometimes “we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling.” Things will be perfect there, but we haven’t arrived yet. So, we “groan and are burdened.” We don’t realize how much we long for our eternal home, until we find ourselves feeling downright grumpy.

In verses 5-10, the Lord reminds us of the Holy Spirit being “a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” If we walk in the Spirit, He will give us confidence that God has us right where He wants us for now. “We live by faith, not by sight.” One day we’ll see the greater purpose for our lives on earth. Here our faith gives us confidence to “make it our goal to please Him.” God knows all we face, and He will reward us for doing what is good and right, in spite of the occasional groaning.

Be Angry and Don’t Sin

It just isn’t as fun to undecorate Christmas as it was to decorate. We cut way back last year by eliminating the Christmas tree in favor of a wall garland where we put our most precious ornaments. But somehow the fewer bins filled up and in the attempt to stuff all the décor into them, I lost my cool. I told Steve I’d be back sometime and huffed out the door.

When I was a young mom, I grew angry easily and often. Struggling with it too long, I began meeting with Jeff, a biblical counselor. With his and the Lord’s help, I overcame that sinful tendency. One key was realizing that I was angry with God. That wouldn’t do. My heavenly Father was precious to me. It was subtle but imprinted by giving in to anger whenever things went wrong. Thankfully, learning where my anger sprang from helped me to make a 180-degree change. God gave me victory with that important insight, and I don’t struggle as I used to.

Finally appeased after a drive for some iced decaf followed by a time of prayer at the park across the street, I arrived home repentant and apologetic. We tackled the undecorating in record time and relaxed for the evening.

The next day I read this quote in my daily planner: “I am convinced that there are times in everybody’s experience when there is so much to be done that the only way to do it is to sit down and do nothing.” —Fanny Fern. Yes ma’am! Wish I had read that the day before. I’m still laughing, relieved to know the freedom of forgiveness.