Summertime…and the Livin’ is Easy?

Couldn’t resist making a reference to one of my favorite musicals of all time, ” Porgy and Bess” by George and Ira Gershwin! Due to it being one of the first musicals I had seen, I was mesmerized by everything about it. The lights, the costumes, the storyline and especially the singing! So here is a link from Youtube listening to the great Ella Fitzgerald singing the title song.

https://www.youtube.com › watch?v=VZRgiuAXRAs

I didn’t remember the general synopsis of the musical so thank goodness for Wikipedia to gently remind me of these two thrown-together souls who learn to appreciate each other and have love bloom amidst Catfish Row for a background. Yes, I’m aware of its racially sensitive history, but when my young eyes saw it, I saw it as the classic story of a girl who meets a boy who appreciates and loves her for who she is promising that he will never leave her.

Sound familiar? That’s the love story between the savior and us. Jesus sees the good in us and the potential we have if we just trust Him to become our savior and redeem our lives from a world screaming in our ears every day to do it OUR WAY and not worry about others that we hurt along the path.

Interestingly enough, I don’t think any of us want to do it that way, but unfortunately, we all can get tripped up in the “Me First Culture” and only think of others once in a while. How about praying at the start of our day for God to help us see the times we might be veering off the path a bit? You know, when we might be losing our patience with others and want to lash out with a quick comment. Or what of the times we get tired of the spiritual battles we might find ourselves in and scream, “I can’t!”

It’s going to take a lot of reminding yourself of vital scriptures that help reiterate that you’re not alone in this battle and to keep pressing on. If He says it in His word, then we should know it’s possible. Might not happen today, might not happen tomorrow, but it will eventually happen if you keep on confessing these scriptures and let them take over your actions.

One thing I have done and continue to do to help myself is to write them down and put them in prominent places where I see and recite them, eventually having them planted in my heart. He tells us the importance of this in Proverbs 4:20-23 My daughter (son), pay attention to what I say, turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart: for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” NIV

A practical way of doing this is reading His word every day. Doesn’t have to be a whole book. Doesn’t have to be a whole chapter, but start somewhere! This is a needed discipline of a Christian. These are God’s words breathing life into us! Probably won’t feel like that when you first start, but it will eventually. Life pumping, invigorating food to your spirit. Eat up! No caloric count to worry about here!

Now for the nitty-gritty scriptures. The ones that are going to transform your mind, life, and spirit if you let them! Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God. KJV

Now really, I think we all deep down know what we’re supposed to do and what we’re not supposed to do. It’s just the ugly, old flesh that’s wanting to exhibit its control, but I promise you that the more you say no to it, the easier it becomes! You will even find yourself down the road wondering what in the world was so hard? I’ll tell you what… lifelong patterns, habits, and just plain ignorance of God’s ways along with His word. Well not anymore! Get with a trusting friend and pray, let her know some weaknesses, questions, and uncertainties you might be having and let her be your prayer partner in this. We weren’t meant to carry this on our own. Ask God to show you some strategies and then listen to what he says with His still, quiet voice and do it!

I have two more scriptures for you to study and commit to memory as best as you can: Philippians 4:8 Finally brethren (sisters). whatsoever things are true. whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just.. whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. NIV

This scripture is encouraging us to step out of a conversation that is not uplifting or glorifying along with every mother’s favorite saying: “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all” should be gently nudging you by now! Boy, what kind of heaven on earth could we have if we adhered to that?!

No more hurt feelings, no more sadness, madness or frustration. Yes, please! Sorry to say we won’t truly have this on this side of eternity, but we can have them in our homes if we establish the importance of God’s presence in it.

My last scripture to leave you with is 2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

So, no more saying you’re a loser or that you can’t do anything right! No more saying, “Why should I even try?”, “Who even cares?”,
What’s the use?” We all know the answer to those questions. Jesus! He cares. He knows. He will rectify every wrong in your life to His glory!

Summertime? Sounds like a great time for a makeover and a rejuvenation! Let’s go!