REDECORATE: Monday, March 5th

WEEK THREE: RENOVATION

REDECORATE

Psalm 16:8-11 (NRSV)

I keep the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;
my body also rests secure.
For you do not give me up to Sheol,
or let your faithful one see the Pit.

You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

So far during this week of renovation, we have been thinking about major overhauls. Today, let’s focus on a simpler and easier way to renovate ourselves. Sometimes all we need is a little redecorating!

Our home interior has been entirely painted in one color and there are hardwood floors throughout. The interior itself is rather nondescript. But I have the advantage of easily changing color schemes and seasonal themes more often, just by changing or adding accessories and decorations. The changes refresh the house and boost our spirits. This doesn’t take much work or effort, but a quick change up at the end of each season gives us variety, color, and a new outlook.  Changing up even simple things- pillows, flowers, pictures, candles- can rejuvenate our spirits.

This uplifting passage from Psalm 16 inspires us to redecorate in one important way. “I keep the Lord always before me.” And we learn that in doing this, we also can experience what the psalmist finds: gladness, gratitude, security, and most of all, fullness of joy. If we redecorate our lives by keeping God first, our paths will bloom with life and the pleasures of God.

Keeping God before us means that we keep God in the forefront, allow God to lead us, and make God our primary focus and center. Doing so isn’t always easy! But for today, what one simple redecoration could we do to remind and encourage us? What is one thing we can do to keep God before us?

~Keep the Lord always before me. What can you do to redecorate your home or office to remind you of God’s presence? Is there a picture, symbol or poem to display? Jim and I have a small table that we have made into a home altar. This Lent, we have a purple candle, three crosses, a large nail, a photo of Jesus in the wilderness, and a print of bread and wine displayed to remind us of the journey Jesus endured for us.

~Keep the Lord always before me. How might you redecorate your inner self to remind you of God’s presence? Would a practice such as fasting or meditating bless you? Is there a small object you can carry in your pocket, or a piece of jewelry that could wear to gently remind you of the presence of Christ within you? Is there a simple but meaningful Bible verse to memorize and hold in mind?

One and Only God,

You ARE the One we want to keep always before us! We are sorry for the ways we become distracted, inattentive, self-centered and ignorant of your presence. Today, we hope to redecorate our lives with YOU. Help us to place you first in every moment. Help us to do those practices that help us to remain focused on you. May we also serve as a reminder of You for someone else. Amen.