Have you ever tried to slice something with a dull knife?

Like many people, I have one of those wood blocks that holds all my sharp knives and some kitchen sheers that I use only on food. Yesterday I was preparing myself some raw chicken to be grilled on my skillet and as I was using the sheers to cut the meat I noticed how easy it was. I had recently sharpened the scissors— and knives as well. Boy, what a difference it made. My work was easier and required less effort because I had practiced some simple maintenance.

Now take my little story and apply it to all of life. There is a very old idiom that says, “A stitch in time saves nine.” What does that mean—that when you practice maintenance or take care of something right away, it keeps you from having to do more down the road. Simple maintenance. We do the same for our cars, our homes, hopefully your physical health, etc., etc., etc.

But how about your soul?

What are you doing to maintain balance in your heart, mind and spirit? How can we maintain a posture of loving God with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength?

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’” Mark 12:30

R.E.S.T.

Read**your Bible, scriptures, every day—even if it’s only a verse! Just start with something. It’s like a morsel of Food that goes down good and you will develop an appetite for more.

Express***your heart to God. That’s all prayer really is...a conversation with the best ear ever. Tell him your heart, really cut loose and be free with it. He is guaranteed to never judge you! You will find it to be exhilarating and liberating! The freshest air you could ever breathe!

Set***your mind on things above. Worship when you become tempted to worry.

When we look at troubles and complications of life too much we are tempted to worry, get stressed and overwhelmed at times. Just look at how much money people spend on headache medications, anti-depressants, sleep aids and counseling or message therapy! Begin practicing a posture of meditation before God. Find a quiet space that brings you some tranquility. It doesn’t have to be fancy. It can be the bathroom if that’s the only space you can get alone. Then just be still. Take a few deep breathes and worship. I try to be an early riser just so I can enjoy the absolute quiet of my home while the rest are still asleep.

Trust**Abba Father, the Great I Am, the Ancient of Days, Majestic One, King of kings—some of the names attributed to the All Knowing Spirit! If He knows all, sees all, controls all of eternity at his fingertips, he can handle what ever your life holds. Trust him. It’s hard to explain how to trust him, but if you practice the acronym for rest I just prescribed it will work itself like medicine in your soul. It will nourish and deliver the contentment of a well balanced and delicious meal and it will cut through all your troubles like some well sharpened sheers. Just as you get better at anything with practice, the same is true for trusting.

Prayer for Your Day:

“Thank you, Lord, that you are sharp and skillful and able to handle my every care. You are worthy of my adoration and so I offer it to you. Take it with my gratitude and help me trust you when I want to worry. Guide my day and help my heart and soul to hear what you would desire to say. I need you more. Amen”

Have the kind of day today that causes your heart to rest easy and your face to wear a smile so pleasing. ~Nicole🌹