ASSWAGED

 

Write From My Heart

October 16, 2021

ASSWAGED {obsolete spelling of assuaged} lessened in severity; calmed

Genesis 8:1 (KJV)  And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters asswaged.

            Beginning with a note of humor, as I looked up the meaning for today’s word, I received the message: “Love words? You must—there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary…” Somehow I just found a great source of humor in receiving that message.

            Today’s verse reminds me that God is always watching. He did so back in Noah’s day, and he continues to watch us in every situation today, and he will continue to do so throughout all time. As for Noah, his problem—namely, the flood that destroyed all life outside of the ark—began  with rain lasting 40 days until the waters rose fifteen cubits (equivalent to 22.14567 feet) higher than the mountains. The waters remain upon the whole face of the earth for 150 days extinguishing all life for no human nor beast could tread water that long let alone survive that long without sustenance. Indeed, the Bible tells us specifically and unequivocally:

Genesis 7:21-23 (KJV) And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man: All in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land, died. And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth; and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.

            Now that’s pretty clear! Yet the Bible clearly states that God remembered Noah and all that was with him in the ark. The troubles (a.k.a., flood waters) were not removed instantly. It took over a year—most scholars agree somewhere between 1 year and 10-17 days—for the waters to dry up enough for Noah to exit the ark. I admire the patience of Noah and his family for their living conditions could not have been optimal during their time of waiting. The lesson I learn from Noah is certainly patience. God knows and fully understands each trial we face. Our problems rarely are removed instantaneously. Often, there are residual consequences and elements which remain long after the actual problems have abated. Yet God is faithful and he remembers his people. He remembers me. He remembers you. He knows the struggles we face. He knows how long those struggles will last. Most importantly, he is with us until the waters asswage. Even then, he remembers you.

Psalm 46:1 (KJV)  God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

RESTORE - RENEW

 

Write From My Heart

October 15, 2021

RESTORE   bring back to a normal state, custom, health, strength, etc.

RENEW  make fresh or strong again

Lamentations 5:1-22 {excerpts}  Remember, O LORD, what has happened to us; look, and see our disgrace. … Our fathers sinned and are no more, and we bear their punishment. … Joy is gone from our hearts: our dancing has turned to mourning. The crown has fallen from our head. Woe to us, for we have sinned! … Restore us to yourself, O LORD, that we may return; renew our days as of old unless you have utterly rejected us and are angry with us beyond measure.

            Most scholars agree Lamentations was authored by the prophet Jeremiah. It is a lament, or dirge poem, written to express the despair of the people of Judah because of their loss of land, city, and temple. I think it is worth noting that blame was not only placed upon prior generations, but also current generations for failure to change. “Woe to us, for we have sinned!” And perhaps the most devastating words are, “unless you have utterly rejected us and are angry with us beyond measure.” Our God is truly a loving and merciful God but at what point will our continued and persistent disobedience cause the Lord’s wrath beyond measure?

            Today, we see our nation that once proudly proclaimed “In God We Trust” and “One nation, under God” slowly eroding away. Perhaps the erosion began with prior generations, but now it is in our hands. Now it is incumbent upon us to make changes. What we so desperately need is not a renewal to the good ole days…but a renewal of our heart to follow and serve the Lord, Jesus Christ, and Him alone!

Psalm 51:10  Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Psalm 51:12  Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Psalm 80: (v. 3, 7, 19) Restore us, O God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.

SELF-CONTROL

 

Write From My Heart

October 14, 2021

SELF-CONTROL  to exercise authority [i.e., curb, regulate, restrain, direct, command, etc.]  over one’s emotions, desires, etc.

1 Peter 4:7 (NIV) The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.

2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

            Today’s verses focus on self-control and its cousin self-discipline. The two words carry similar meanings—the primary difference being self-discipline is generally used to identify action toward a goal of improvement. Most of us struggle with self-control issues of one sort or another and to various degrees. For some it’s curbing the temptations of chocolate or that extra slice of pie or cake. For some it’s watching t.v. or reading when there are chores that should be done. For a few, it is regulating our tempers or attitudes. The point being, each of us has areas in our lives that need extra attention to use restraint or redirect our priorities.

            Let’s look at a few key points in today’s verses that might give us encouragement. The first verse reminds us that as we come closer to the Lord’s return, it is even more important to be the example that might lead others to Christ. Staying clear minded, using self-control, and maintaining a life of prayer enables us to be alert for opportunities to display a life in Christ to others. For the times when temptations seem overwhelming and we do not feel able to bring self-control or discipline into the picture, those are the times we are reminded by the last verse that it is God who provides the strength we need, in the amount we need, and at the time we need it. We have no need to be fearful or afraid for it is God who provides power, love, and discipline in all areas of our lives. Our objective is clear:

1 Peter 5:8 (NIV) Be self-controlled and alert.