I sit here on the dark-sand beach in Jaco, Costa Rica I get to reflect on the Lord’s beauty. I love the beach. I love hearing the sounds of the waves and feeling the sand on my feet.
This week our squad, which is the group of 15 of us, are in Jaco for a ‘mini debrief’ time. This week we are saying goodbye to our alumni leaders who have been with us for the past 6 months and we are getting new teams to work and do ministry with. There has been a lot of anticipation over the past weeks for this time and all its changes. I have been feelings lots of frustration and worry over the past couple weeks leading up to this time.
I want answers, I want assurances, I want to know.
Its funny typing those thoughts out, haven’t I learned that that is not how the Lord works?
This next half of my world race experience will be very different than the first. I am looking forward to the necessity of depending on the Lord in deeper ways. I am looking forward to the love, communication, growth and sense of belonging that are priorities on my new team.
I have a deep sense of contentment of this new time. As I think back to the past couple weeks, I wish I would have sought the Lord more in the anticipation. I am then reminded of how the battle we fight is not of flesh and blood.
“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5
Taking my thoughts captive means leaning on the truth, on the truth that God says. I have knowledge, I have discernment and the Word of God- I know what truth is. I am working on separating my thoughts from truth. In this next season I want to live out of the truths that I know, rather than thoughts and perceptions. I will obey Christ when I do this.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:8-9
My mind would be a beautiful place if these were the things I thought about. What would my life look like if I only thought of true, pure and lovely things? If these are the things I meditate on, I would be able to receive more freely the gift of peace from God. That gift is already mine, but I want to experience His peace in a new and deeper way.
A question I have been meditating on is ‘what am I longing for’? I am longing to be more in touch with heavenly things than earthly things. I can do that by setting my mind on things that are true and pure and worthy of praise.
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth”
Colossians 3:2
I am expectant that the God of peace will meet me there.
Lauren,
It is always such a rush of anticipation and joy when I see your name pop up in my email with another update! I could feel the anxiety of your being in a place of an unknown future brought on by changes. I also heard you letting go of the worry and holding on to the peace, assurance and contentment of God’s promise to be with you and provide your every need as you respond in obedience to his calling. Praying the Spirit holds your thoughts and mind on things that are true, pure and worthy of praise so that you are filled with the God’s peace!
You know me, I always see change as a new opportunity! Just think what you are going to experience and learn and the new people you will meet!! I love you!!
Love this! These are many of my favorite scriptures.
Your mind is set on the right thoughts, Lauren!