Ordinary Time

Pause

This week we consider sources of happiness.

To prepare, stop the world around you.

Breathe, be still, and feel God’s presence.

Invite God’s calm.

Listen

The most cunning heart— it’s beyond help. Who can figure it out? I, the Lord, probe the heart and discern hidden motives, to give everyone what they deserve, the consequences of their deeds.

Jeremiah 17:9-10

Think

Does the thought of God probing your heart and mind make your cringe? You’re not alone. Too many of our private thoughts fail the “living like Jesus” litmus test.

My wife and I are both Speech Language Pathologists. We often work with individuals who can’t differentiate between “internal” and “external” voices. Using an “inside my head” voice can get you in trouble. Simply put, many thoughts should never make it to the tongue. As therapists, we teach those we serve to keep “inside” thoughts to themselves.

So, God hears those inside thoughts? Yes, but… What’s the “but” you ask? As Christians we enjoy God’s forgiveness and grace, God’s undeserved favor. The lesson here? When your inside thoughts reflect a deceitful or unkind heart, seek God’s forgiveness and grace, and keep pressing forward. Becoming Christ-like is a journey – one that takes time but is well worth the effort.

Bill Ogletree

Pray

Lord, create in me a clean heart. Help me to know that your forgiveness and grace give birth to happiness and are always available. Keep me pressing forward in pursuit of Christ’s likeness. Amen.

Go

The Trappist monk, Thomas Merton, wrote:

“Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone – we find it with another.” (in Love and Living, 1965)

Go now and find happiness and God’s love in the community of others.