School has begun! As a teacher, I always loved the beginning of school. Everything was so “in order”! My supplies were new and fresh and clean. My classroom was straight. My gradebook was in alphabetical order with no whiteouts. It provided quite a contrast to that last day of school at the end of May! But the beginning was (and is!) a time of new beginnings, fresh starts. I feel those emotions and that energy and excitement every September. In fact, I keep buying new pencils and pens in September!
In addition to my supplies being new and fresh, my determination was as well – the determination, the will, to do the best job I possibly could do. The list of my own, personal “I wills” included things such as: “I will” treat each of these young men and women with respect. “I will” stay current on grading papers so I can give timely correction. “I will” praise and commend more often than I critique and correct. Etc. Did I succeed 100%? Of course not! But the awareness, the desire, the “will” was there.
September is here. I still use it as a time to reflect on the “I wills” in my life. What are the things that I determine to focus upon as this time of new beginnings is here - the things that I determine to do, to be? Will you join me? Perhaps your determination, your "I wills" need to be refreshed. I know that mine do quite often. Life has a way of beating us down into survival mode. We have to fight that way of living and continually remember and re-determine.
For a devotional reading today, look to Psalm 63. Read it with your eyes looking for the “I wills” from David. What determination from this man of God. I loved listing his “I wills” from this Psalm. The following things really are a decision of the “will” …
Will you join me in determining to commit to these “I wills”? After all ... September is here!
1. I will seek You
2. I will glorify You
3. I will lift up my hands in Your Name
4. I will be satisfied
5. I will praise You with singing
6. I will remember You on my bed
7. I will think of You
8. I will sing in the shadow of Your wing
9. I will cling to You
10. I will rejoice in my God
The best “Top Ten” list I can imagine …
Labels: Devotional Moments |
Here's a pair of "I will's" that I love: one (the first) is a personal decision of the will such as you describe above; the other (though stated in passive voice as "I will") is really God's response when I determine to keep Him first. Maximum security -- gotta love it!
"I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." Psalm 16:7-8