God’s word is eternal, inspired by God himself and very practical. I love that. Following are a couple God inspired ways to achieve personal contentment and be a blessing to others.
1. Take a nap on Sunday afternoons– Psalm 127:2, “In vain you rise early and stay up late; toiling for food to eat – for he grants sleep to those he loves.”
So, nap is to sleep briefly, especially during the day. Sleep as noted in the above Psalm, is a gift granted by God. Anything from God’s hand is good. Research conducted by Dr. Medrick concluded that, for most people, naps are beneficial. They can improve brain function ranging from memory to focus and creativity. She writes, “For some people naps are as restorative as a full night of sleep.”
What a wonderful recipe for enjoying the Lord’s day- meeting together with fellow believers for worship and God’s word, a yummy dinner and an afternoon nap! It’s okay. Naps are good. God said so.
2. Don’t interrupt– Proverbs 18:13 “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.”
Interrupting means to break continuity. It is rude, uncivil and it reveals an area in us that needs attention. I know. I interrupt. I’m learning that what is bursting forth from my mind, either in agreement or disagreement, should not take precedent over what another person is expressing. Self-Control! Our pastor has recently reminded us that the Greek translation of self-control is… wait for it… control yourself! Message received. Now on to obedience.
3. Keep good company– I Corinthians 15:33 “Do not be misled: bad company corrupts good character.”
When we become new creatures in Christ, through salvation, we may find that some people, places and things do not advance our walk with Christ. One bad apple can spoil the bunch. One over ripe apple emits a hormone, ethylene, that causes the other healthy apples to rot, given enough time. The good apples never cause the one over ripe apple to stop rotting and become healthy.
Our new life can be an affront to those who inhabited an old life. We can be drawn back to a place of decay that becomes comfortable. Beware! God’s word says that “all things become new.” And that includes the company that feeds into our lives.
4. Keep your promises – Proverbs 15:14, “A person who promises a gift, but doesn’t give it, is like clouds and wind that bring no rain.”
Ever have someone break a promise, reveal a private confidence or go back on their word? It really hurts. Instantly trust is broken, and a sense of betrayal overshadows the relationship. The reverse is also true. Fidelity to one’s word is treasured and respected. It can be a hallmark in each of our lives. We can be one who is trusted to never speak about a confidence shared, who does not promise what we cannot deliver and whose word is as good as a signed document. We can reflect the God who Is always faithful to his word. P.S. Be careful what you promise.
5. Be kinder than necessary– Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God, in Christ, also has forgiven you.”
Kindness is a fruit of God’s spirit. It is not inherent in our nature. Human nature is self-serving and stingy. “Me first” is often a primary reaction. Kindness is going the extra mile, beyond the demands of duty. Characteristics of kindness are generosity and consideration. The Bible teaches us to consider others before ourselves and to embrace a gentle, not selfish or harsh, spirit.
And guess what? Kindness is free to give away, but its reward can be without price. Kindness is showing deference to rudeness, patience to unreasonable demands and consideration to thoughtless behavior. It can be a welcoming ointment following a stinging wound. Teach it to our children, for it is a lost gift and our world so needs it.
God’s word- eternal and practical. Now let’s do it!
Written by
Vickie Richey