Sticky Notes From God

“Backup.” For the past week or two every time I open my laptop I see the now bent and ruffled orange sticky note that simply reads, “Backup.” I put it there to remind me. It was brought to my attention that I haven’t backed up my computer in a very long time. All my teaching notes from a recent series on the Fruit of the Spirit, devotionals and family pictures sat dangerously unsecured. Each time I sat down to study, read emails or peruse through Facebook, that sticky note was glanced at, unheeded and then quickly forgotten. Although I had set the reminder there for me to take action, it soon became familiar. So familiar that I really didn’t give it much notice.

As I took the sticky note off yesterday (AFTER I finally backed up the computer) I felt the Holy Spirit nudge me that at times I treat Him the same (OUCH!) Head hung, shoulders slumped, a prayer whispered, “Forgive me.” We do that don’t we? Sometimes God, and God’s word is such a large part of our life, that we just assume He/it will always be there. Oh He will, but by golly I NEVER want to take Him or His word for granted, that I simply take a glance, unheeded and quickly forget. I have scripture all over; the kitchen, the bathroom, the dinner table, entry way and even in my car. BUT, seeing those, so familiar… do I read it, take pause and consider, heed it, live it, share it? William Gurnall a quiet unknown to many theologian of the 1600’s wrote: “Love sets the soul on musing.” Do we reflect, mediate deeply on God?

King David wrote: “I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 16:8) Interesting word picture, the word for ‘set’ can be translated as …equally. In context: “I have equally set the Lord before me.” Meaning, in every situation, every day-to-day activities, in every conversation, enjoyment and sorrow, I place God THERE. But it doesn’t stop there, it conveys the idea of ‘to match.’ If we place God alongside our current circumstance and they don’t match up, what is the proposed action? Adjustment! But just like my orange sticky note, I HAVE to take notice, heed, and take action.

The Psalmist wrote, “You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by GOD. You’re blessed when you follow His directions, doing your best to find Him. That’s right—you don’t go off on your own; you walk straight along the road He set. You, GOD, prescribed the right way to live; now You expect us to live it. Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course You set; Then I’d never have any regrets in comparing my life with Your counsel. I thank You for speaking straight from Your heart; I learn the pattern of Your righteous ways. I’m going to do what You tell me to do; don’t ever walk off and leave me. How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of Your Word. I’m single-minded in pursuit of You; don’t let me miss the road signs You’ve posted.” Psalm 119:1-10 (MSG) He continues in verse 30, “I have chosen the way of truth, I have set my heart on Your laws.”

O Lord, grace us with the desire, the longing to set You before us and not quickly turn away, but take a good long-hard look, heed and make adjustments where needed. May we too respond like David, “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices.” (the next verse, Psalm 16:9)

Road signs and sticky notes from God.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)