… The right word at the right time—beautiful! (Prov. 15:23 MSG).
I opened the book package at my mailbox and read the title, Renewed: Finding Your Inner Happy in an Overwhelming World.
Renewed. I need to read this book today, I mused.
But my “to do” list interrupted my daydream of relaxing in my recliner, enjoying a tall glass of iced tea, and reading Renewed, by WordServe author, Lucille Zimmerman.
I placed my copy of Renewed on the end table next to my chair and revisited my checklist. Speaking engagement? Check. Four Bible studies for newsmagazine? Four checks. Blog post? Maybe tomorrow. Three book proposals? Question mark. Post for WordServe Water Cooler? Oops. Just breathe … I guess the book proposals go on hold again. Drat.
Responsibilities. After a few minutes of brainstorming about my WordServe post, the phone rang. “Mom, do you have two large suitcases that the boys can borrow for next week?”
Next week? I cringed with this pressing reminder of my commitment to keep my youngest two grandchildren in Texas, while my daughter attended church camp with two of her older boys.
Requirements. When I return to my computer, I’m drawn to Renewed again, desperate for a word of encouragement and a sense of renewal. As I read the first chapter on self-care, Renewed offered the exact words that I needed for that moment. Later, a reference to Micah 6:8 reminded me of a question that I had failed to ask earlier as I struggled with my other commitments.
And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (NIV)
Did I read that right? Only three requirements?
- To act justly.
- To love mercy.
- To walk humbly with God.
Maybe I should check out another translation.
But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don’t take yourself too seriously—take God seriously. (MSG)
Relief. I breathed a sign of relief, as I read the answer again. Then, I whispered a prayer of thanks to God for the healing power of His Word, the encouragement of my writing friends, and the gift of His call to be a writer.
In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Phil 1:4).
Lord, give us the courage to listen and obey Your Word.
Photo/KarenJordan
YouTube/CastingCrowns (Courageous)
What recent encouragement have you received from God’s Word or gleaned from another writer’s work?
WordServe Water Cooler 
Thank you!!! I needed this today. My brain is always in hurry skurry mode. I take on so may projects and obligations I am always behind. Sigh.
Grateful for your comment,Sharon. Yes, I think we all probably need to stop & seek God first before we take on any new projects or commitments, don’t you? I’m tend to be fairly impulsive, & I often live to regret it! Thx again!
Karen, we have all been there, and I love this piece of scriptural direction. Thanks for putting the experience into words for all of us. One of my favorite places to find encouragement is right here at the WaterCooler!
Hi Jan! Yes, the WSWC often offers a word of encouragement right when I need it. Blessed to be part of this awesome community of writers!
Great post as always, and I LOVE Lucille’s book. Can’t wait until you get to read it and tell me what you think. 🙂
Thx, Anita! Just finished Renewed in Branson. I plan to recommend it to my friends & family. Lucille offers some powerful insights & wisdom from a professional & spiritual perspective. Grateful for all the hard work she did to produce such a helpful resource.
Ahhh, had a talk with my pastor after church this morning….because he said, “we are what God wants us to be”. Well, the pastor understood my feelings of too many things on my plate. But the question looms over me. Where does God want me to go? What does he want me to be? What does he want me to write? What does God require of me? My pastor admitted he has the same “problem” as I do. We are each one of those types of people who can’t say no and get spread thin because we have abilities that draw us in a hundred different directions! 🙂 (He said he understood and THEN told me that my brother had suggested he contact me about drawing up some house plans for an addition to his house.) Sigh….. so, only three requirements? That’s better.
Thx for your comment, Karen. Looks like we have more than our name in common! 😉 I’m often tempted to be impulsive in my response to requests. Thankfully, God continues to remind me to seek Him first BEFORE I agree to help ANYONE!!! I’m particularly vulnerable to friends & family … just saying… 😉
That was so sweet of you to mention my book. I hope you’ve had time to dig in. Hope you don’t feel guilty taking time for self care.