Hit the road jack...

Can anybody finish those lyrics?

That tune by Ray Charles, from the early 60’s, is pretty catchy. But more than the tune, the words themselves resonated in me recently.

Like most of you, we get tons of Christmas cards. Some with laconic greetings from friends, others with extensive details of their family’s updates including current achievements.

For some reason, this year, each time hubby read about the children from various families reaching personal and professional heights, a dark gloom stirred in my heart. I began to wonder what it would be like had our 19-year old not been called home when he was.

What if the Lord would have allowed him to stay with us longer…longer for me to enjoy his college graduation, wedding, and children of his own? Sigh.

Have you been there? When dim thoughts pull you away from God’s garden and closer to the “poor-me” junkyard?

Lies from the enemy stir up the stench of self-pity. When that happens, I resist with all my might and tell those lies to hit the road and focus on the truth: The God of the universe knew the number of days in my son’s life. And more than that, He chose to give us 19 years of joy.

The King of Kings holds all the events that slip through my days - joys, sorrows, pain, and peace. He knows the darkness that threatens us each day, but also with His grace, brings the light of His reassurance and hope.

So, settling in that truth, resisting the author and father of lies will be at the top of my resolution list for 2008. It was probably a top priority for James too because he writes, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you” (James 4:7).

Have you had any unpleasant visits from the enemy lately? Any lies stirring discouragement in your life? Any subtle fibs that drain your joy? It’s time to tell them to hit the road.

Janet

p.s. I’m working on my January newsletter with you in mind (it’s free!). I’d love, love to have you as part of my inspiration family. All you have to do is send a blank email to: splashofinspiration@getresponse.com.