Simply Soul Searching
HOW IS GOD LOVING ME – AND WHERE IS GOD LEADING ME?
Let (Monday, March 11th)
Monday, March 11th
Let: to give opportunity to or fail to prevent
Psalm 19:14 (NRSV)
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
I really appreciate this second definition of let: “to fail to prevent.” To fail to prevent reminds us that, unless we stand in the way, movement is happening. How often do we prevent the Spirit’s movement within and among us by any number of barriers? When we do not feel the presence or movement of the Spirit, we are the problem. We are preventing what would normally move freely and unabated. “To fail to prevent” in this sense wouldn’t be failure at all, but should be our goal!
There are many Bible passages that instruct us to “let.” I have listed a number of these below. Before you read these verses, I invite you to pray that the Spirit will move within your soul- without hindrance, prevention or obstacles. As you prayerfully read each one, “let” your guard down and allow the Spirit to choose a word or a verse that especially resonates or touches your soul. How is God moving through a particular word or verse today? Where do you hear God speaking most profoundly? (This is a type of lectio divina, a prayerful and reflective way of reading Scripture.)
Let anyone with ears listen! (Matthew 11:15)
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. (Matthew 16:24)
They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” (Matthew 20:33)
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:15)
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. (Colossians 3:16)
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone. (Colossians 4:6)
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus… (Philippians 2:5)
Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. (Philippians 4:5)
Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6)
Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29)
Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; (Romans 12:9)
Above all, my beloved, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “Yes” be yes and your “No” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. (James 5:12)
Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you will abide in the Son and in the Father. (1 John 2:24)
Little children, let no one deceive you. Everyone who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. (1 John 3:7)
Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. (1 John 3:18)
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7)
So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)
So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith. (Galatians 6:10)
When you have found your word or verse, stay with that word today and see where the Spirit leads you. Let your soul be wide open for the Spirit’s movement, which could be felt in any number of ways: inspiration, motivation, guidance, stillness, awe, healing, compassion, comfort…
How will the Spirit move in your soul today, if you only let it? My prayers are with you and for you.
All definitions are excerpted from the Merriam-Webster online dictionary at https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/
Bible verses are taken from the New Revised Standard Version.
Photo credit: Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Simply Soul Searching 
So many wonderful verses! They were an answer to prayer today after an unfortunate event yesterday! A friend was angry when he came into the dining room and unfortunately l got in his way and became an object for his anger and many people witnessed it. My first reaction was shock because l had never seen this in him before. ( l found out it was not a rare occurrence with him. I am saving this post because l have 4 verses that have addressed this issue ( like jumped off the page!) but all of them are great, life long lessons from Paul and l cannot wait to meet him one day! Blessings❣️🙏🙏
LikeLike
I am so sorry to hear of your incident! Oh my! But you are so aware how God can work through every circumstance. May today be a better day. Sending love.
LikeLike
I am so aware of God’s working things out and though Russell is “hiding” behind a mask( several people are wearing them because of the flu) right now and not coming in the dining room my forgiving him has released me and the HS gave me so much compassion and love, and understanding for him. He needs Jesus badly and from now on l will just “ lift him up!”🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person