Train me in good common sense; I’m thoroughly committed to living your way. Before I learned to answer you, I wandered all over the place, but now I’m in step with your Word.
Psalms 119:66-67 The Message
Have you ever tried to untangle a jumbled chain necklace and found that there’s no fast way to do it? Did you do it anyway or just decide you didn’t need to wear that necklace? For me it’s an excruciating task; little annoyances like this always get to me. I dislike confusion, don’t you? Well, I’ve learned that untangling my thoughts is much more daunting than untangling a thin chain necklace.
“Little foxes spoil the vine,” and perhaps God called me to journalize for this very reason. Journalizing SLOWS me down because it requires listening—never, never a “quick fix.” Listening to God’s words and taking dictation gives cohesiveness to my everyday life. It clears the air and ends the confusion.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Most people would rather die than think. In fact they do.” But thinking isn’t in question; we all do it. How well we think is another matter altogether. I’ve decided that among the better goals one can have for their life, the goal of thinking well is most profitable. Journalizing God’s word causes my thinking to get well, and as I continue to journalize God’s word (as in a mirror) I think even better.
Over all I find that I pay better attention with a pen in my hand. Dawson Trotman said, “Thoughts disentangle themselves when they pass through your fingertips.” With God’s word as the basis of my journalizing, it’s become the fastest and best way to renew my mind.
Sometimes I journalize on my computer; I like that because I can type faster than I can write with a pen in my hand. I still do both, but I’ve noticed that, because the pen is a slower method, penned journals often make a clearer point. You might agree with me that “clarity is peace.” When I want things to get really clear I use a pen.
My troubles turned out all for the best— they forced me to learn from your textbook. Truth from your mouth means more to me than striking it rich in a gold mine. With your very own hands you formed me; now breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you. When they see me waiting, expecting your Word, those who fear you will take heart and be glad. I can see now, God, that your decisions are right; your testing has taught me what’s true and right. Oh, love me—and right now!—hold me tight! just the way you promised.
Psalms 119:71-76 The Message
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