Keeping A Balance

I was sitting on the sofa, in the midst of doing some reading, when the question clearly came to me. And the question came right out of the blue, and it wasn't related to what I was reading:

Would you do things differently if your circumstances changed?

It stopped me right in my tracks. But in a good way.

I was eager to find out where this was leading me - I had been seeking an answer to a particular dilemma and it had been a regular topic in my prayer life for quite a while. And here was an indication that I was now getting an answer - well, actually, a clarifying question - and as a result I had to give serious consideration to my work/life balance which was getting very ... messy.

It was becoming increasingly clear to me that I was getting the balance wrong. But what could I do to get the balance right? What could I change?

I was praying about it. And then, came the question...

The answer to the question.

Yes. 

So, what's next?

Lord, I know you didn’t intend for me to live a life dictated by work. Help me to recognise the ways I can find joy, rest and play in my hectic life. Help me be refreshed. And help me to recognise ways of changing my circumstances. Your ways. Amen.

Miracles and Wonders

Psalm 77:14-19 New International Version - UK (NIVUK)

14 You are the God who performs miracles;
you display your power among the peoples.
15 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.
16 The waters saw you, God, the waters saw you and writhed; the very depths were convulsed.
17 The clouds poured down water, the heavens resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth.
18 Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind,
your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked.
19 Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.

Master, speak! Thy servant heareth

Master, speak! Thy servant heareth,
Waiting for Thy gracious word,
Longing for Thy voice that cheereth;
Master! let it now be heard.
I am listening, Lord, for Thee:
What hast Thou to say to me?
Lyrics:Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)
SASB song 775 (2015 edition)

Written on 19th May 1867 in Weston-super-Mare, the lyrics are based on the following passage:

1 Samuel 3:8-10 The Message (MSG)
God called again, “Samuel!”—the third time! 
Yet again Samuel got up and went to Eli, “Yes? I heard you call me. Here I am.”
That’s when it dawned on Eli that God was calling the boy. So Eli directed Samuel, “Go back and lie down. If the voice calls again, say, ‘Speak, God. I’m your servant, ready to listen.’” Samuel returned to his bed.
Then God came and stood before him exactly as before, calling out, “Samuel! Samuel!”
Samuel answered, “Speak. I’m your servant, ready to listen.”