Being Focused on the Right Priority

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The sound of a certain voice, hit her nerve like a knife.  It went on, over and over throughout the day.   

 

“How much longer will I have to listen to that?” she thought.

She knew it was a matter of time and “the voice” would be gone, but the wait was getting to her.  She was on edge, ready for that day to arrive.

 

She looked forward to times late in the day, or anytime “the voice” was out of the office.  Then she could relax, with only the hum of the overhead lights, the noise of the air conditioning blowing through the vents, and a quiet radio playing over the speakers.

“The voice” was one of those volatile combinations of arrogance, chauvinist, back stabbing, sewing discord, double edged tongues.

 

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The words above are what I wrote this past week.  As you can tell, it came from within.

Just because I don't verbalize them, does that make my thoughts okay?

This week I have been studying the book of Jeremiah.  He followed God all the way through, speaking to the people of Israel, the words God had given him.   He followed so closely to what the Lord wanted him to do, that his life was threatened.  That's when Jeremiah got frustrated and started complaining, and even at one point, basically asked God to take out the ones threatening him.

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Jeremiah 15:15(NIV) You understand, O LORD; remember me and care for me, avenge me on my persecutors.  You are long-suffering - do not take me away; think of how I suffer reproach for Your sake. 

Okay, so you see Jeremiah felt what we feel sometimes.  

"Lord, can't You just remove that thorn (the voice) from my side?   How much longer do I have abide this situation?"  "Why Lord, why?"

Ever been there?

The Lord responds to Jeremiah's words.

Jeremiah 15:19-20  Therefore this is what the LORD says: "If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve Me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman.  Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.  I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to rescue and save you," declares the LORD.

God does not want us to lower ourselves to the level of our enemies or in my case, the thorn in my side.   He wants us to stay focused on His will in our lives and to remember He is ever present with us and will rescue and save us.

This study came to me at the right time.  

I have been struggling with a situation at work, so much so that I start each day before I walk in, asking God to give me the strength and grace to face what ever comes my way.  I also ask Him to keep my mouth shut and when it does open, to put words of wisdom and grace there.

Father, forgive me for getting frustrated with the work situation I'm in at this time.  I know You have me where you want me,  for a reason.   Help me to keep focused on You and not on "the voice"  that hits my nerve.  I give it all to You Father, to take care of in Your way.    Amen.

God bless and keep you,

Sonia