These are desperate times! These words from the Message Bible ring true even today. We live in a desperate time in human history, regardless where in the world we find ourselves right now.
So much pain, loss and fear inducing events swirl around us. Even with feet firmly planted in Christ, believers can get shaken. The time is short and we don’t know how long we have left on this side of Glory. But with the right perspective, God’s Word offers us a focus and purpose as we navigate this time well and for His glory.
“Watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!” Ephesians 5 exhorts us.
How can we walk wisely in this time? How do we make the best use of the brief time we have been given on this earth, even though the days are evil, and we feel it?
Paul in his letter to the Ephesians (and really to all believers because this letter was to be circulated and is the inspired Word of God, so it is aimed even towards us as we begin 2022); he challenges them with three “therefores” of how…
1.Therefore, he says, do not be foolish but instead understand what God’s will is. We spend too much time hemming and hawing God’s will, when His Word is actually quite clear.
You wanna discern God’s will? Fill you mind with His Word and it will be made clear to you. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good, and acceptable and perfect.”
When we spend time in His Word, our real trouble isn’t to know His will, it’s to be willing to do what it says: forgive, rejoice, trust Him, pray, live at peace, submit to others. Ask me how I know. I often prefer He conform to my will but when I concede to His, there is real peace and joy.
How am I discerning His will and obeying?
2. We are to therefore not get drunk on wine, but be filled with the Spirit. Rather than get intoxicated with the things of the world, our time is to be spent getting filled with the Spirit of God.
When I spend more time on social media, the news and filling up with what numbs me, I miss out on being filled with that which actually satisfies me. The only One who actually satisfies is willing to fill us when we come to Him empty and be still before Him, laying our broken junk at His feet and spend time in His Word.
How will we know we are filled with the Spirit?
We will overflow, as it says in Ephesians 5, with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord in our hearts. My singing is scary for the listener but when I have been with Jesus in His Word and gotten filled, the melody of my heart to the Lord overflows in kindness, grace and serving others with love.
We look like Jesus in our actions if we are filled with Jesus. We look like the world if we are letting that fill us and numb us.
So where will we go to be filled?
3. Paul encourages us to give thanks ALWAYS and for EVERYTHING to God the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus. Life can be so burdensome, even assaulting to our soul at times.
But there is always something we can give thanks for.
The God of Creation came to earth and gave Himself for us so we might have intimacy, security and peace with Him for eternity. Do we need anything else to give thanks for? And yet we have more, far more.
When we spend time in gratitude, looking for the gifts around us to thank God for, we will actually see His love and presence with us in so many little ways throughout the day. That perspective in these evil days is a priceless balm for our depleted souls.
What can you give thanks for right now?
The time is short. How will we spend it? As the foolish, unwise one who stumbles in their drunkenness looking for what never satisfies; or as the wise discerning one who is not shaken by the evil times but is stable, grateful and even peace-filled knowing One is coming at just the right time.
images by Joël Super, Pixabay, Giftpundits.com
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Wonderful words of wisdom to ponder and apply.
It’s so true that where and how we spend our time determines so much of what we feel and think. It can either clarify or muddy our ability to hear God’s voice and do His will! It’s hard to steer away from the quick-fixes like social media and mindless entertainment, but the Word is our best source of nourishment and always worth the time.
you’re right, it can be so hard to turn from the empty fillers and get filled on Him. grateful for grace and His strength for the hard restarts.
My singing is pretty scary, too ;). But all jesting aside, thank you for this timely reminder that in these uncertain times we need to pray for discernment and grow closer to God.
🙂 grateful it encouraged you, sweet anita!
Your posts are always good. Full of HOPE. I know I live in an attitude of gratitude – I am grateful, grateful, grateful. Mariel, glad we’ve connected – you are a Truth Agent and we need more of ‘us’.!!!! #18
amen, friend! so grateful for you and your life-giving words too, susan! (Also your christmas/december devotional really blessed me as i read it through last month!)
Important words here. Well done. Blessings. FMF#28
thank you so much!
“When we spend time in His Word, our real trouble isn’t to know His will, it’s to be willing to do what it says” – so true, it’s my willingness or lack thereof that’s often the issue. Timely post, full of truth.
yes, me too…my willingness is more stubborn than I like.
How do you write so much & so well in 5 minutes?
Thank you! That is so kind. Honestly I can rarely stop at 5 minutes because I read the word when Kate releases it on Thursday nights and I go to bed praying about it. Then in the morning I write what I hope will serve others well. Once I start writing though, I write until the thought is complete not when the five minutes are up. 🙂
Oh, ok!
Hello, Mariel! Thanks for reminding us of Paul’s cautions to his readers. I so agree with you about spending too much time on social media can change our whole perspective, and usually no in a good way. And do we ever not need to hear about the importance of “stop(ping) to smell the roses”? Our words and actions definitely reveal how we are investing ourselves and resources. Blessings!
So grateful it was an encouragement to you ❤
Wise words indeed!