We have a choice what we put into our bodies. And, our choices matter.
God has given us choice in our spiritual lives, as well--- this is clear from Scripture. He has given us a part to play...an invitation to join Him and His work in the world. We are not robots, or trees, and we a not an animal led by instinct... we have choice.
"Draw near to God", His word says, "...and He will draw near to you."
"Abide in My love", He tells us.
"Choose this day whom you will serve", His heart invites His children to choose life and love.
What choice will I make today? What choice now, in this very moment?
Reading in Psalm 85 this morning, I was struck by Psalmist vocalizing his choice: "I will listen to what the Lord will say... He offers His people peace...and I will choose it... I will listen."
I will listen. This is a choice.
When there are so many voices vying for our attention, we must make this choice each day. I must make this choice... what will I listen to? Who will I listen to?
God has given us a part. Is faith and peace and joy and grace a gift from Him? Yes, absolutely! Each one a free gift from His heart to mine. Will He perfect my faith? Yes, absolutely! Perfecting faith is not my job; only He can do it, to be sure. But, God has given us a choice. He has given me a part to play.
Like eating physical food, I really have no say in how well my digestive system does it's job. This mysterious process happens within me, without my help. My stomach works to extract nutrients and transfer needed things to my cells, ect. I don't have much say in the process at all! But, I do indeed have a choice as to what food I put into my body--- to aide in the process. I have a part to play. Certainly, if I cram my body full of junk or poisons it will disrupt the healthy, mysterious God ordained process of my digestive system.
So, I believe, is our part in the journey of our soul. We have a choice to "eat" Truth and "feast" on God. I have a choice to believe... rehearse what is True and turn my ear toward His voice.
No, I don't author faith---that is abundantly clear! And, I don't perfect faith. That is God's job---His job alone. But, I can respond. I can invite... I can share... I can feed my faith and his faith and her faith. I can choose good "food" to aid in the God-alone-process of grace given, faith received and peace felt.
So, today I will choose to listen to what the Lord says to me. He offers me peace. What a sweet offer!!
I choose peace.
And, I will choose not to return to folly--- I will reject that junk food of "worry" or that diet of "fear". (Psalm 85:8)