Everyday!

Today I was practicing a song we're doing on Sunday for KidStuf.  When I sing, I really try to focus on the words and what they mean to me so I can be more expressive and worshipful instead of a remote controlled robot on stage.  So as I'm listening to the song, and focusing on the words I hear:

"Every day Lord I learn to stand upon your word,
and I pray that I might come to know you more,
that you would guide with me every single step that I take,

and everyday I would be a light unto the world."

The words are pretty, and the message is good.  But how often do I put these things into practice?  How often do I stand upon His word...rely on Him to guide my steps...or do I focus on my own desires and rely on my own strength too often?  Am I a light unto the world?

Thankfully, so as to avoid a downward spiral of depressive thoughts, I have a real example of how I put those words into practice.  (Which is the point of reading the Bible, and we saw in today's reading... verse 7 where Paul warns about becoming a perpetual student and never taking action with what we've learned.)  It was yesterday, and I was trying to decide whether to go to an event at church on Friday night alone.  My husband is busy with a work outing, so it's not like he wouldn't go with me if he could...but he just can't.  My friends told me plenty of people go without their spouse, and I could do that too.  At first I said yes, but after thinking about it I realized how worried I am about people judging me, my husband, our relationship...you get the picture.  Self doubt and massive anxiety sent by the big liar himself to try and talk me out of doing something to strengthen my relationship with other Christians. 

So I talked to a friend, who encouraged me to still go.  Then I prayed, and read through 2 Timothy 2.  The notes for verse 3 led me to Hebrews 12:1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."  So, I decided to rely on God's strength and "throw off all that hinders" (my anxiety, worry, etc.) and just go.

Granted, this is an extremely tame example of how one can put their learning into practice...but I thought I'd share because of it's timeliness with our readings.

Click to hear the song Everyday