By Lora Avery
I love anticipated newness.
The sounds and sights of summer make God’s promises of renewal come to life right in front of us … literally! This seasonal rejuvenation is a normal part of the expected rhythms of life. The squeals and laughter of children spill from parks and playgrounds. Birds greet the vibrant sunrise with their songs. Trees dress themselves with various hues of green leaves interwoven with speckles of sunlight. Young animals recently born or hatched swim or skip playfully across the landscape.
Isaiah 43:19 fits the summertime season beautifully. It’s a wonderful promise and picture of God’s redemptive love in action. It inspires visions of peaceful lush pastureland springing from desolation. It’s one of my favorite verses, serving as the foundation for my devotional book: “Wilderness Paths and Desert Streams: 40 Devotions to Encourage Parched and Weary Souls.”
However, “anticipated newness” is a bit of an oxymoron. Many of the new things God wants to do are unexpected. Because I am a planner by nature, I’m not a fan of surprises — particularly during busy seasons of my life.
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“God gently led me to His path through this self-created wilderness within my mind.”
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Unexpected Interruption
I was engaged in my normal morning routine, minding my own business. Everything was proceeding according to plan. Then the phone rang — right in the middle of my devotional time with the Lord. That wasn’t part of the plan. Early morning phone calls are the worst.
Thankfully, there was no immediate crisis. Yet the call derailed my day as I reluctantly agreed to care for a family member’s needs created by a poor judgment call someone else made. I became frustrated, irritated, and resentful.
These negative thoughts and emotions swirled in my head for some time. Eventually I returned to my interrupted Bible reading and prayer before the rest of the day’s schedule was hijacked. As I sat down to refocus, God gently led me to His path through this self-created wilderness within my mind.
Thought Test
Philippians 4:8 has recently become an essential weapon for use in my spiritual warfare. It’s written in several prominent places I see throughout the day. It serves as a litmus test and guide for my thoughts. It reveals the quality of my thoughts and helps me form better thinking patterns. The Holy Spirit led me to apply this verse to my current situation: Are my thoughts true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy?
The answer was clear before I stepped through this list: absolutely not! I was filled with complaints … and self-pity, self-righteousness, and lack of cheerful submission to God’s plans. Ouch! These are not befitting a child and ambassador of the King of kings.
What is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy in this instance?
My situation was a mere inconvenience. Jesus took the weight of every bad choice I’ve made throughout my life. He took this burden willingly. He didn’t deserve it. He did nothing wrong. He suffered more pain than I will ever experience. He was separated from God’s Presence on my behalf. He endured all of this out of pure love for me. His boundless love and mercy are designed to flow through me, not become trapped inside me and selfishly withheld from others.
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“God provides everything I need to leave this barren place and enjoy the streams of refreshing living water…”
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Divine Disruptions
Schedule disruptions are for my good as well as the good of others. They show me God is the One who is in control. He will do what is best in sometimes unexpected ways. This is part of His renewing work in my life, my heart, my mind, and my soul.
My mind can so easily become a wilderness of worry and fear. At times I cultivate a wasteland of complaints and broodings. God provides everything I need to leave this barren place and enjoy the streams of refreshing living water Jesus has freely given me. He gives His Word, His Presence, and His Body to encourage us and point us to the cleansing truth.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
If the Lord has used this article to bless you, feel free to send an email to me at lora_avery@outlook.com to sign up for my author newsletter and receive similar messages.
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Lora Avery has loved Jesus since childhood. She retired after nearly 30 years in the corporate world to spend more time with her grandchildren. Lora enjoys discovering fresh biblical insights and sharing hope and encouragement with others. Her previously published work includes a devotional book for adults, titled “Wilderness Paths and Desert Streams: 40 Devotions to Encourage Parched and Weary Souls.” She lives in Michigan with her husband, Paul. You can find her online using #lunchwithlora and on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
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