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Are You Longing for Fleeting Things?

Covet Not the Worlds Vain Riches

Covet not this world’s vain riches
That so rapidly decay,
Seek to gain the heav’nly treasures,
They will never pass away.

Hold to God’s unchanging hand,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand;
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand (1906)

By: Jennie B. Wilson (1856 – 1913)

Listen to this instrumental version as you prepare to ponder this hymn. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.

Below is content always available to Subscribers, often to Free Members, and sometimes to everyone.  Want to learn more about accessing all the additional material in the Subscriber Content Library, click here, or the Free Member Content Library with some examples of the complete Subscribers content, click here.

Everyone, enjoy this video, and the transcript below.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

We continue our journey through this hymn which challenges us to build on the certainty of God in uncertain days. Where are you building your hope? In the security or pleasure of earth’s riches, or in the confidence of heaven’s treasures? Let’s tune our hearts.

Longing

When you see someone enjoying the things this earth affords, it can create an illusion in our hearts and minds. That illusion tells us that we would be happier if we had those same things to enjoy. So we strive to acquire them on the false assumption that when we achieve them, happiness will be ours.

That desire to possess something belonging to someone else is called covetousness. It is not a word that is commonly known, but it is absolutely a common struggle for everyone who breathes. Yes, I believe we all grapple with this, simply that we are often unaware how much it affects our decisions and actions.

Covet not this world’s vain riches,

And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15 ESV

Jesus is teaching here to be on guard against covetousness, and He offers a very clear reason why. Our lives do not consist in the abundance of possessions. Now before you dismiss this teaching believing you are above it since you are well aware that things do not make up our life, be careful. Covetousness can very easily consume your soul, and become the foundation of your hope.

RESONATE!
Let’s get Jesus involved with our journey beyond covetousness. Start by asking the Holy Spirit to reveal any desire you may have for things that others possess. Maybe there are trinkets, but maybe not. Maybe there is a desire for something that you believe would simply improve the quality of your life. Something that would allow you to enjoy life just a little bit more. There is nothing inherently wrong with enjoying the things of this life, but when a desire to acquire them consumes much of our thinking, we are in danger of coveting. Once revealed, talk to Jesus about how to root out that desire for those things, but keep in mind the best way to do that is to seek other things, heavenly things, which we will look into more in Thursday Thoughts.

Fleeting

That So Rapidly Decay

Apart from the simple fact that it keeps you from pursuing things with much greater intrinsic value, there are many other reasons to avoid covetousness. 

  • The process of acquiring things can leave you distracted and exhausted.
  • Acquiring things rarely fulfills the longing for which they are sought.
  • Even once they are acquired, it can often be difficult to hold onto them.

That so rapidly decay,

I remember wanting an iPod. I know I am dating myself a bit with that comment. The idea of having thousands of songs at my fingertips seemed like something I just HAD TO HAVE. Besides, I could use it for ministry. Notice we can always find a reason to justify our covetousness.

It consumed a lot of my idle thoughts.  How I could use it. What I would do with it. How much easier it would make my life. Sound familiar?

When I finally got it, I was so excited. I charged it. Downloaded a bunch of CD’s onto it. Plugged my headphones in and just basked in the unmistakable glow of my purchase.

I really enjoyed using it and found it very useful as I had imagined, though there was some upkeep and it did take time to put the songs I wanted on it. Still it was great. Until a cooler smaller version came out. The allure of my first device quickly faded.

Ever happen to you? I bet it has. Yet we still covet things all the time, though we have already learned the lesson to not do so.

Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven. Proverbs 23:4-5 ESV

The underlying issue is that we believe they will satisfy that craving inside us, but they are generally useless in that regard. I would offer it is better to replace that longing for worldly riches with a search for things of heavenly, eternal value.  More on that Thursday, but for now just a bit more resonating.

RESONATE!
The riches of this world are useless in meeting our deepest needs, and even when we do acquire them, we realize they do not last. Are you toiling to acquire worldly riches, conveniences, or pleasures? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the fleeting nature of the things you may be pursuing so that you can redirect those energies. As He does, confess them and ask Him to guard your heart from them in the future.

Jesus, thank You for teaching us the vanity or uselessness of pursuing worldly riches. They quickly decay leaving even whatever fulfillment that may have afforded a fleeting pleasure or comfort. Guard my heart from covetousness. In Jesus’ name.  Amen!

Satified Tuning!

Keep coming back, and we will work to help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for His return by cultivating an awareness of God’s presence.   We will help you tune your heart to live out your worship by providing resources like this to help you acknowledge the greatness of God as you become more Resonant, 7 days a week.

Like what you’re finding here?  Fill out the form to the right to get an email with each fresh post and updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Please comment below and share if you have found this helpful in your journey of being more resonant.

Video 19.3 Transcript

Welcome to Tuesday Tunings at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s tune our hearts.

Covet not this world’s vain riches
That so rapidly decay,
Seek to gain the heav’nly treasures,
They will never pass away.

Covetousness is having a great desire to possess something that belongs to someone else. It can be blatant, but is often more subtle. Are you aware of any longing for things others possess? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal and root out any covetousness in your soul.

Spirit, reveal and root out any covetousness in my soul.

The world’s riches are vain or useless. You may be tempted to argue with that, but keep in mind we are focused in this hymn on eternal hope. Because of the rapidly decaying nature of this world’s riches, they are useless in light of eternity. Ask God to help you see that clearly.

God, help me to see the vanity of worldly riches.

The treasures of heaven far surpass the riches of earth, but we must still seek them. Jesus taught that it does not profit us to gain the world but lose our soul. Ask Him to give you the perspective you need to seek the treasures that last eternally.

Jesus, help me seek the eternal treasures of heaven.

The enduring nature of those treasures alone makes them more valuable than the riches of earth, but the disparity between them is best revealed in the effect they have on us. The hope of heaven’s treasures never fails. Thank God for hope that never passes away.

God, thank You for hope that lasts forever.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has surfaced in your heart, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then we will sing once more.

Sing

Hold to God’s unchanging hand,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand;
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

Take the awareness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time, Be Resonant.

The post Are You Longing for Fleeting Things? appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Covet Not the World’s Vain Riches – https://pixabay.com/photos/dollar-money-cash-money-business-1362244/
That So Rapidly Decay – https://pixabay.com/photos/money-time-finance-dollars-loan-4899491/

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Committed to Clinging Closely?

Earthly Friends Forsaken

Trust in Him who will not leave you,
Whatsoever years may bring,
If by earthly friends forsaken
Still more closely to Him cling.

Hold to God’s unchanging hand,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand;
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand (1906)

By: Jennie B. Wilson (1856 – 1913)

Listen to this instrumental version as you prepare to ponder this hymn. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available to Subscribers, sometimes to Free Members, and occasionally to everyone.  Want to learn more about accessing all the additional material in the Subscriber Content Library? Click here.  Or check out some other samples at our Free Member Content Library.  We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today!!

Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below!  It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

We continue our journey through this hymn which challenges us to build on the certainty of God in uncertain days. Ever had a friend forsake you? That is painful. But take heart, God never will.  Let’s think about this.

Ouch!

When someone you thought you could count on walks away, it hurts. When someone you thought was a friend turns their back on you, it really hurts. When it feels like every friend you have has forsaken you, it REALLY hurts!

If by earthly friends forsaken

Being abandoned or deserted is a terrible thing to experience. Not only do you have to deal with the betrayal, but then there’s isolation. Feeling very alone is awful, ask Paul.

At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! 2 Timothy 4:16 ESV

Wow! How about that response from Paul. I am not certain I could muster the courage or forgiveness to let all my earthly friends off the hook with such energy! The translation adds an exclamation point.

This is a sad story Paul tells, but we have all felt the sting of a friend forsaking us at one point or another. Some were no big deal, others have been exceedingly painful. What’s your story?

RESONATE!
We need others and we must share our lives, but when those we trust most are not there when we really need them it is the worst of all disappointments. We are going to consider how God wants us to respond to Him when earthly friends forsake us, but take a moment to reflect on how you have responded to those earthly friends first. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart for any hurt that has lingered. Ask Him to allow you to extend the same forgiveness Paul offered to those who deserted him. It may not mean you even restore the relationship, but carrying unforgiveness around really only hurts you.

Ahhhh!

Still More Closely

When we feel the sting of being forsaken by earthly friends, we have the opportunity to embrace the balm of clinging all the more closely to heavenly ones. It comes down to where we find our primary source of encouragement and support, and that should always be in God. Think about this.

In response to some disappointment in an earthly friendship, you cling all the more to God. Over time, your grip and resolve weaken, like that of an infant, and you let go. In that moment you will discover God is still holding onto you, like an attentive parent, aware of every need and ready to supply.

There are times when we cling a little more to His unchanging hand because other things have failed us. But even the most determined of us loose our grip after awhile. Thankfully God never does.

Still more closely to Him cling.

You shall fear the Lord your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear. Deuteronomy 10:20 ESV

Oh He could let go, and that might cause you to fear, but He will not. It would be inconsistent with His character. We fear Him and serve Him, swear by His name and hold fast to Him, because He is faithful.

RESONATE!
What is causing you to cling more closely to Him today and in this season. COVID-19? Social injustice? An earthly friendship forsaken? All the defeats and disappointments in life are allowed by God to remind us that He is always there for us, and enough for every need. Tell Him again today that you are committed to cling to Him still more closely because He is the One changeless reality in life. Father, I am committed to cling to You.

Jesus thank You that You never fail us, even when every other friend may. Teach me in the moments of uncertainty, isolation and disappointment to cling all the more closely to You. You are faithful. Help me trust You. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Restful Thinking!

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Podcast 19.2 Transcript

Welcome to Thursday Thoughts at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s think about this.

Trust in Him who will not leave you,

And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10 ESV

The Lord never forakes us. We have all had times when we were trying to trust Him but it was hard. Commit to seek Him today and then feel free to remind Him of His promise to never forsake You. He is good for it and you can trust Him.

Whatsoever years may bring,

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

The years can only bring what God allows, but even still sometimes the things they bring are hard to swallow. Is there something from your past that you have not gotten over, for which you are maybe still resentful toward God? Ask Him to heal you today, and trust Him and His plans for you.

If by earthly friends forsaken

At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! 2 Timothy 4:16 ESV

This is a sad story Paul tells, but we have all felt the sting of a friend forsaking us at one point or another. Some were no big deal, others have been exceedingly painful. Ask God to allow you to extend the same forgiveness Paul offers to those who deserted him.

Still more closely to Him cling.

You shall fear the Lord your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear. Deuteronomy 10:20 ESV

Our moments alone can cause us to fear the Lord, but they should also challenge us to serve Him and hold fast to Him. When everything else is stripped away, God is still there, and we have the choice to cling all the more closely. Determine today to do that now, and always.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has come to your mind, or listen to what He is saying to you, then I will read our text once more, with the refrain.

Trust in Him who will not leave you,
Whatsoever years may bring,
If by earthly friends forsaken
Still more closely to Him cling.

Hold to God’s unchanging hand,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand;
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

Take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time, Be Resonant.

The post Committed to Clinging Closely? appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Earthly Friends Forsaken – https://pixabay.com/photos/one-against-all-all-against-one-1744086/
Still More Closely – https://pixabay.com/photos/hands-holding-bond-love-people-2545754/

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Rooted On the Rock

Wednesday Wanderings with Dr. Sherri is biweekly and a time we set aside to wander in the Presence of Jesus and ponder His truths. When you are ready, prepare your mind, body, and soul to have a transformational encounter with Jesus.

Watch the Wednesday Wanderings Welcome for this week.

Now that we have cleared our souls of the clutter, we can wander on the journey with Jesus.

PREPARATION: In our last Wandering with Dr. Sherri, we investigated Holding Hands with God. This week we will consider to what we are clinging.   When you are ready, you may begin the dialogue with Jesus and state: “Jesus, I invite you to help me to leisurely wander into your Presence. Prepare my heart to receive, and illuminate my spiritual senses to encounter you.”

PROMISE:  Proverbs 12:3 ESV 

Broken tree

 No one is established by wickedness,
     but the root of the righteous will never be moved.

In the first stanza we acknowledged that no one on earth is unmoved by the swift transitions of time. Think of a tree. When the wind blows, you see the evidence in the branches, maybe even in the trunk itself a bit, but not the roots. Even if the entire tree snaps off the roots almost always remain intact. The same is true of our souls. The events of life move us, but not at our core. That is safe with God. Where are your roots?

PSALM: Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand
By: Mary Jane (Jennie) Bain Wilson, (1856-1913)

Trust in Him who will not leave you,
Whatsoever years may bring,
If by earthly friends forsaken
Still more closely to Him cling.

Hold to God’s unchanging hand,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand;
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

Jennie (the writer of this hymn) was that the things of this temporal life are faulty and failing.  At a young age she lost her father, and was also stricken with typhoid fever which left her an invalid. Yet from the lifetime seat of a wheelchair, she choose to put her roots deeply into the unchanging hand of God.

PARABLE: As I journeyed on the path below Newport Lake at Millcreek Park where I shot our welcome video, I was struck by how the trees along the path had grown. The landscape was pretty rocky with many stones exposed and a shortage of soil in any places. This left the roots of many trees exposed.

The tree above had succumb to what I can only imagine was a catastrophic storm which revealed the weakness of the trunk unequal to the strain. Even still the roots remained intact. I think of our hymn writer and what she endured yet remained hopefully holding to God’s unchaining hand.

Earth Forsaken

I long for that kind of faith. Faith which allows me to hold on even when everything around me seems to be crumbling. Look at the root of this tree.  Even thought the soil in probably once grew through seems to have forsaken it, it is still more closely clinging to the rocks.

What an incredible picture of what our God invites us to do. Even when the things of earth forsake us, cling even more closely to Him. I am trying to exercise that faith today.  How about you?

How do you cope with the circumstances of life which leave your roots exposed? Will you keep holding on? Are your roots firmly established righteousness? Let’s take a few minutes and ponder that.

PONDER and WANDER:  As we walk through the storms of life, maybe even raging today, holding to God’s hand will reassure us that we do not journey alone. He is the Rock that that imbues us with righteousness not our own. That righteousness allows our roots to remain unmoved, even when all else fails.

The soul training ROOTS exercise can assist us in pressing deeply into God’s hands.

Soul care training exercise: If you choose, complete the R.O.O.T.S. exercise.

  • When you are ready, clear your mind and invite the Holy Spirit to help you Root your soul into God’s hands by whatsoever means are necessary. God’s hand and hand over the weights that are holding you back from discovering the purpose of the pain.
  • Next,  Open your heart that the Spirit may reveal and faulty soil into which you may have mistakenly put your the roots of your soul.
  • Then, Open your hand and let go of any wickedness [faulty thinking or living] He may have revealed.
  • Trust Him for the continued work of growth required for your roots to be ready to hold when the branches and even the very trunk of your life is swayed by the circumstances in this temporal plain.
  • Finally, Set your hopes on things eternal which will give you a very different perspective to deal with even the most tragic of loses, including life itself, yours or others.

PRAYER: O God my Rock, root my soul in You again and deeper still today. For the storms of the today and the disappointments of tomorrow may my roots be true and founded on you. My strength is not enough for them, so I put my trust in You for this life and the next.  In the strong name of Jesus I pray, Amen. 

PRAISE: Now that you have emptied your mind of the clutter and wandered with Jesus, take a closing moment to breathe in and let the work of your wandering fill you with strength.

Then take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes of wandering into the next ones and beyond.

Until next time, be Resonant.

The post Rooted On the Rock appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions:
Millcreek Park, Newport Lake Dam and West Trail

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Learning to Trust God Through the Years

Him Who Will Not Leave You

Trust in Him who will not leave you,
Whatsoever years may bring,
If by earthly friends forsaken
Still more closely to Him cling.

Hold to God’s unchanging hand,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand;
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand (1906)

By: Jennie B. Wilson (1856 – 1913)

Listen to this instrumental version as you prepare to ponder this hymn. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.

Below is content always available to Subscribers, often to Free Members, and sometimes to everyone.  Want to learn more about accessing all the additional material in the Subscriber Content Library, click here, or the Free Member Content Library with some examples of the complete Subscribers content, click here.

Everyone, enjoy this video, and the transcript below.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

We continue our journey through this hymn which challenges us to build on the certainty of God in uncertain days. Ever had a friend forsake you? That is painful. But take heart, God never will. Let’s tune our hearts.

Never Alone

Trust in Him who will not leave you,

Recall the last time you felt alone.

Maybe it was some time ago, or very recent. Remember what was going through your mind. What had happened that left you feeling exposed or isolated?

How did you deal with that terrible feeling? Did you take it to God, or in some measure had you convinced yourself or had others convinced you that He was responsible so He was the last One you wanted to talk to about it?

If we are honest, we would all admit there have been times when it even seemed like God had forsaken us. We may have even continued to believe He had not, but it sure felt like.

In times like that I try to remind myself of God’s promises. Key word, try. It is not always easy.

And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10 ESV

I have been wrestling lately with the fact that in most situations God is responsible for His part, and I for mine. So based on this verse what is mine? I must know His name which reveals His character and put my trust in Him and seek Him. Sounds simple. Rarely is.

When you are upset with someone, it is difficult to bring yourself to the point where you search them out. It is easier to avoid the disappointment and not talk about it. But it hurts both parties. When we seek God, we find Him. When we find Him, we learn His name. When we know His name, we can trust Him.

RESONATE!
The Lord never forsakes us. Say that out loud. Personalize it. The Lord never forsakes me. Put your name in there and tell your soul. The Lord will never forsake you _____. We have all had times when we were trying to trust God was really hard, but the alternative never produces better results. If God seems distant ask the Holy Spirit to reveal why that is, and then ask Him to help you deal with what He reveals.

Time Keeps Slipping Away

Whatsoever Years May Bring

Whatsoever years may bring,

I have struggled for years with the phrase, “Time heals all wounds.” Add to that struggle the reality of this line and you can understand why? The passing of years bring new challenges, hurts, pains, joys, etc.

Sometimes the promises of God as mentioned above can bring some solace to help mitigate those challenges, but sometimes they may instead seem to exacerbate them. Take Jeremiah 29:11 below for instance.

Maybe you feel like you have suffered something evil. There is just no other reasonable explanation for it. You believe God has your welfare in mind and is giving you a future and a hope, but the evil you are facing causes you to question where God is as the clock keeps ticking.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

And the years of our lives bring many different trials and temptations. When hardship comes it is easy to blame to God. When enticement comes we can fail to look first to the One who satisfies our soul. Have the years brought something that is threatening to pull your attention or affection away from God?

He would want you to use that same incident to draw you nearer. But sometimes instead we blame Him after all the years can only bring what God allows, and sometimes those things are hard to swallow.

Maybe I am not describing your relationship with God, but someone you know. Someone you love. Someone whose heart has become hard. Whether it is you or a friend take some time to consider this.

RESONATE!
Is there something from your past that you or someone you love has not gotten over, and maybe is causing resentment God? That can be even more painful that a friend forsaken you, and harder to overcome. Ask God to reveal if there is any such thing that has come your way over the years. Whatsoever He brings to mind ask Him to heal today, and trust Him and His plans for you.

Jesus, thank You for the reminder that I am never alone. If or when I am tempted to believe anything else, remind me of your promise. That moment may come today, years from from now, or both, but I have determined to trust You and seek You, if You will but help me. In Jesus’ name.  Amen!

Deliberate Tuning!

Keep coming back, and we will work to help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for His return by cultivating an awareness of God’s presence.   We will help you tune your heart to live out your worship by providing resources like this to help you acknowledge the greatness of God as you become more Resonant, 7 days a week.

Like what you’re finding here?  Fill out the form to the right to get an email with each fresh post and updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Please comment below and share if you have found this helpful in your journey of being more resonant.

Video 19.2 Transcript

Welcome to Tuesday Tunings at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s tune our hearts.

Trust in Him who will not leave you,
Whatsoever years may bring,
If by earthly friends forsaken
Still more closely to Him cling.

There are times when it is difficult to sense God’s presence, but that does not mean He has left us.  He never will. He has made a promise and He will keep it. Does it seem like God is not near? Ask Him to reveal why that is, and to help you to address it.

God, show me anything that is keeping me from sensing You.

And the years of our lives bring many different trials and temptations. When hardship comes it is easy to blame to God. When enticement comes we can fail to look first to the One who satisfies our soul. What is threatening to pull your attention of affection away from God today?

Jesus, what is threatening my relationship with You today?

Here is the most painful test of all, when those closest to you fail you. We need others and we must share our lives, but when those we trust most are not there when we need them it is the worst. Ask the Spirit to heal you from those injuries

Spirit, heal me from the pain of friendships forsaken.

All the defeats and disappointments in life are allowed by God to remind us that He is always there for us, and enough for every need. Tell Him again today that you are committed to cling to Him still more closely because He is the One changeless reality in life.

Father, I am committed to cling to You.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has surfaced in your heart, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then we will sing once more.

Sing

Hold to God’s unchanging hand,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand;
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

Take the awareness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time, be Resonant.

The post Learning to Trust God Through the Years appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Whatsoever Years May Bring – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/time-clock-time-of-time-indicating-1632030/
Him Who Will Not Leave You – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/partnership-connectedness-personal-526416/

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Get a Grip!

Build Your Hopes

Time is filled with swift transition,
Naught of earth unmoved can stand,
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

Hold to God’s unchanging hand,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand;
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand (1906)

By: Jennie B. Wilson (1856 – 1913)

Listen to this instrumental version as you prepare to ponder this hymn. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available to Subscribers, sometimes to Free Members, and occasionally to everyone.  Want to learn more about accessing all the additional material in the Subscriber Content Library? Click here.  Or check out some other samples at our Free Member Content Library.  We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today!!

Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below!  It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

We begin our journey through this hymn which challenges us to build on the certainty of God in uncertain days. We must be careful to build on things that will last, so when the storms come, we have a sure foundation. How’s your foundation? Let’s think about this.

Intentional

Have you ever tried to build something and realized part way through that you lacked something essential? Maybe you started, and it became clear later that you were not at all sure the completed project was what you really needed. Or maybe when you finished, it was obvious you had wasted your time.

All these scenarios can be extremely disheartening. But there is a way to avoid them, at least to some extent. That requires a diligent intentionality to make sure the plan -from the beginning- is going to accomplish what is most important to you.

Build your hopes on things eternal,

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Matthew 7:24 ESV

Jesus teaches the truth we are singing in this line. We must be careful what our foundation is. If we build on things that last, like God’s eternal word, then we are wise builders, and our lives will be strong. Seems pretty obvious right? Still, many of us struggle to build on that foundation, though it is literally within our grasp to do so.

There are so many things that get in the way of our being routinely in God’s word. 

You can not build on eternal things if you do not know what they are. You can not know what they are if you are not in God’s word reading about them. You can not read God’s word if you do not open the book, or the app.

Reading them is only part of the battle, though. Once you read them, you need to ask God how to structure or build you life on them. The Holy Spirit is the best teacher, and He wants you to know God’s words so you can build your life on them.

RESONATE!
If you are not reading God’s word regularly, will you commit today to ask Him to help you plan and carve out time to do so? Just reading is not enough though. When was the last time you simply asked the Holy Spirit to open your eyes and give you understanding of God’s eternal word? Read a verse or a passage today, but first ask the Holy Spirit to bring it to life so you will know how to build on it. That exercise will give you hope.

God’s Unchanging Hand

Yet Childlike

Even when we do develop the intentional discipline of getting into God’s word and building our hopes on its truths, we must always maintain a childlike posture before Him. It can be tempting to oversimplify spiritual realities when we see a truth, build on it, and see the positive outcome. God’s ways are higher than ours and keeping a right perspective on how limited is our understanding is always healthy.

I love the picture here. We must choose to cling to our Father’s hand even when we begin to figure some things out because that humility will keep us out of trouble. It will keep us from running off into mischief. It will also limit how much we put our hands on because we are somewhat occupied simply with the thought of staying close to Him by not letting go.

Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:8 ESV

Does that image, that line, and this verse describe your relationship to God? If not, you are probably feeling the effects of that on your soul. While getting out of those messes is not easy, the first simple step is righting wherever we may be failing. Grab, hold, and cling to His unchanging hand today, whether you think you need to or not. It will uphold you when the weight of life is too much.

 

RESONATE!
Often our failure to cling to God can be traced to pride. We thought for a moment, or a decade, we could handle things. When we finally realized we were wrong, the humility required to reach for and hold to God can be sorely lacking. Will you receive the challenge of the song-writer and hold to God’s unchanging hand today? You may be very surprised to find He has been holding you all along.

Jesus thank You that You uphold us when our strength is simply not enough. Forgive me for times I have convinced myself I could handle my circumstance. In humility I turn my heart to you again today and determine to let go of everything that might tempt me to hold to it instead of You. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Clinging Thinking!

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Podcast 19.1 Transcript

Welcome to Thursday Thoughts at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s think about this.

Time is filled with swift transition,

Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all. Ecclesiastes 9:11 ESV

Time and chance are the great equalizers. They happen to every one of us. Since there is no avoiding them, the only alternative is to find a way to deal with their effects. Thank God that He has revealed this truth to You, and provided hope in Him.

Naught of earth unmoved can stand,

When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars. Selah Psalm 75:3 ESV

With the swift transitions and the shifting landscape, it is hard to stand unmoved. Actually impossible, but for God. He is the One who holds the earth steady and is able to steady us as well when things come shaking our lives to their core. Praise His steady hand!

Build your hopes on things eternal,

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24 ESV

Jesus teaches the truth we are singing in this line. But we must be careful what our foundation is. If we build on things that last, like God’s eternal word, then we are wise builders, and our lives will be strong. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any ways you may be building on anything else.

Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:8 ESV

We must resolve this issue before the storms of life come. If we wait to cling to God only when peace slips away, it may be harder to sense His presence and His holding us. Let go of anything that may be keeping you from clinging to God. Ask Him to help you.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has come to your mind, or listen to what He is saying to you, then I will read our text once more, with the Refrain.

Time is filled with swift transition,
Naught of earth unmoved can stand,
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

Hold to God’s unchanging hand,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand;
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

Take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time, Be Resonant.

The post Get a Grip! appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Build Your Hopes – https://pixabay.com/photos/book-bible-religion-reading-study-2617987/
God’s Unchanging Hand – https://pixabay.com/photos/hands-child-s-hand-hold-tight-1797401/

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