Our Built-In Indicators
I sold my 11-year-old car. It was on its last leg – rather, last engine. I have a sweet new ride. With it came some helpful safety features. Those safety indicators (cameras) tell me if there’s a car to the right or left of me, to NOT change lanes. It has front and back indicators when I’m getting too close to a curb or another object. There is an indicator if I’m going over the speed limit. It has indicators that keep me inside the lines AND if I’m on cruise control, it will automatically slow down if the car in front of me slows down. I know my angels must be high-fiving God for helping them out with all my long and short distance travels!
A couple of days ago, a friend told me they were struggling to meet their fitness goals. They were exhausted in half the time of their normal work-out routines. Another friend called to ask for prayer for some physical issues they were having. I shared with both friends about the built-in indicators that God gave us – how they are like the fluid indicators or other warning indicators on our cars.
When something is out of whack, God, in His infinite wisdom, installed us with those indicators, too! Take for instance, thirst. Thirst is a body indicator that should be attended to. I have known how detrimental to my body is the lack of water intake. Even as I’m typing this blog, I take another sip of coffee and my “indicator” tells me to drink a bottle of water before I take another sip.
If our fluid level is low, the signals will flare — dry mouth, unclear thinking, and headaches. As a regular at my chiropractor’s office, I’m reminded by the water bottles they hand out how important it is to be drinking lots of water. And, what our emotional indicators, like grumpiness, anger, short-fuses on patience, sadness, depression, jealousy, tackiness, judging others, lack of kindness and generosity, discouragement, etc. If any of those are calling out your name, heed the indicator warnings and take some good medicine straight from God’s Word: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22
And, a crushed spirit is an indicator that we’ve been settling for when handling life on our own and not inviting God into our “business”. If that’s you, I can tell you one thing about your life without ever “getting into your business”. You’re not spending time with God and His Word. I speak from personal experience of knowing well my emotional indicators. Know God – know joy. No God – no joy.
If that’s you today, and you know it by your “indicators”, I have a prescription for you. I give you Jesus. He’s the peace that passes all understanding. I give you Jesus. He’s the perfect love that casts out all fear; I give you Jesus, He’s the water that you drink and never thirst again; I give you Jesus, my friend, I give you Jesus. You will find Him in His Word.
The more we read God’s Word and stay connect to Him, the more He lifts us up. So, the next time discouragement comes knocking on your heart’s door, don’t open it. Instead, open your Bible and read it. God’s Word has the power to change your life. “Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” Proverbs 30:5