This time of “breathing space” between travels and teachings
gives me time to ponder. Pondering is one of my favorite past times. I enjoy
sitting and letting the Lord speak into my ponderings and self-musings. I like
thinking about lots of things.
There is much to ponder these days, as always. Toward the
top of my “frequents” is the sorrow of nations. Recently it was Kenya. Often it
is friends around world who are embattled in disease. Nations of the Middle
East repeatedly feature in sorrow of the nations. Government shut downs and
political rhetoric send my mind a ponderin’. A couple of weeks ago we attended
a church where one of the announcements notified attendees of a called prayer
meeting in a neighboring community. They were to gather for corporate prayer
against the demons plaguing the people in that area. I’ve had lots to ponder from that
announcement.
It is not uncommon for my ponderings to lead me toward a
sense of insecurity. Apprehension may knock on my heart door. There is so much
I do not understand, so much I do not know. Knowing only a little can feel
threatening. Knowing too much can be a heavy burden.
Inevitably my ponderings morph into prayerful conversation
with God. I pour out my heart to Him and listen to receive His heart into mine.
I don’t usually have the length of uninterrupted time I wish I had but I am
learning more about “pondering on the go.” I am learning to be keen in
continuing prayerful conversation at all times. This is valuable for my mind
and soul. It is/I am needful at all times.
All in all, my ponderings bring me back (via a Holy Spirit-guided
tour) to one profound truth. My God is God-With-Me. Knowing this, knowing Him
is enough. It chases apprehension. It brings awareness of security. The
Sovereign God is with me. He is the Keeper of my soul. He is. He is with me.
Pondering Him-with-me brings rest to my mind. Peace to my heart. Faith to my
spirit. Hope to my soul. He restores my perspective.
In these days my “frequents” in pondering include Psalms
103, 104 and 121. I read Isaiah 32 with a growing hope and excitement as “the
Spirit is poured out upon us from on high…” I delight in knowing God is with me
now! His Spirit is within me. No matter what comes. No matter what happens. No
matter what measure of suffering. God is with me. It is well with my soul. My mind
is at ease. My pondering does not take me where God does not intend me to go. God
is with me. “Let my meditation (pondering) be pleasing to Him.”
Christine
