AUGUST 25, 2023

  “Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones.” 

― Shannon L. Alder

PSALM 124-127

1Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,

which cannot be shaken but endures forever.

2As the mountains surround Jerusalem,

so the Lord surrounds his people

both now and forevermore. (125:1-2)

1 CORINTHIANS 7:1-24

21Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. 22For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. 23You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings. 24Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.

JOURNAL 

I love movies...even the bad ones. The reason is that within a 2-hour window I am able to see a story resolve itself. Most movies fall more or less into the same pattern...Things were good, then they turned bad, an unlikely hero was called and through their sacrifice, the day was saved.

The problem is that my life is not tied up in a nice neat 2-hour window. My story stretches a lifetime and beyond and therefore it is easy to become discouraged when things don't go as planned. I often wish I could have a soundtrack playing in my head all the time. Because when I am connected to a story and understand my place, I tend to have much more courage. I am more focused and am able to make better decisions. However when I lose focus and flirt with the thoughts that life is purposeless, meaningless and random then it's easy to lose heart.

I believe that is why God has woven the power of story into our hearts. Story is what connects us as humans to the past, to the Bible, and ultimately to God. Because the drama that fills movie screens is the same that plays out in the hearts and minds of every human who has ever lived. It is this connection that helps us to find our place.

So how can I know and embrace my place in the story God is telling? I think it comes in the following ways...

1. Accept that God loves me and that I am a valuable part of the story
2. Embrace the gifts and talents that I possess 
3. Live the rest of my life devoted to the story and my place in it. 

6Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” 

DEUTERONOMY 31:6