“Preach the Word. Be ready in season (and) out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” 2 Timothy 4:2

Interruptions

Yesterday started off wonderful. I had quiet time with the Lord, walked the dogs with my husband, and then went off to work. I had mapped out the things I felt I needed to get accomplished in the day. Things went fine until late in the afternoon. I had a deadline and was almost finished when a co-worker had a computer problem that affected a lot of things—and it needed to be addressed immediately. She gave it to me like it was my problem. A bad attitude sprang up in me. My first reaction was terrible. My work had been interrupted and I missed my deadline. I reluctantly called the HELP desk and the problem was easily resolved. I got to be the hero, but did I represent the Lord well in my immediate reaction?

At our jobs or in whatever we do, people are watching. Our actions or reactions speak louder than words. I know sometimes I go about my day saying, “Okay, Lord, I’ve got this,” but when brushed against the wrong way, poison comes out. I can’t blame it on the devil, although he does orchestrate occurrences that may trip us up. My own sinful nature pours out unchecked. My lack of patience and unwilling attitude is uncalled for. Lord, please change this wretched heart.

I love to share God’s Word and teach when given opportunity, but that isn’t normally a daily occurrence. In the above verse, the apostle Paul talks to Timothy about being ready to represent our Lord regardless of the situation. My actions are loud and don’t always represent the Lord. How can I be ready in season and out of season? I have quiet time with the Lord. I know the Christian walk is a process and we won’t be perfect until we’re present with the Lord, but after all these years I would think there are some responses that would be more God-like.

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinner, nor sit in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and he (habitually) meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2).

 According the Psalmist, meditating day and night is profitable to a Christian. Quiet time with the Lord is so important. I’ve read recently that statistics prove that true Christian growth is a result of daily Bible reading. I believe this is where God truly meets us. As the Psalmist says, we should meditate day and night. Praying for God to open our heart to see what He says in His Word will equip us for the day’s interruptions so we can respond as God desires. Meditating on a word or passage will indeed prepare us to not be caught off guard. This is my prayer.

“Father, we offer ourselves up to You as living sacrifices to be Your vessels, ready in season and out. Give us a bigger hunger for Your Word, that we may read and absorb all that is needed daily to represent You well.”