Reset

On Friday evening, a group of exhausted medical students huddled together outside a classroom.  One commented to the others,  

“What I really need is a reset button, so that instead of feeling drained and scatterbrained, I would be awake and focused so I could start working on finals prep.”

I readily agreed with that statement.  We were all exhausted from the exams of the week.  How on earth are we supposed to feel prepared for the upcoming cumulative finals? 

I entered my weekend seeking a “reset” button.  I ate pizza and drank soda on Friday night, hoping that little treat would give me motivation.  Nope.  I went to bed early, anticipating waking in the morning feeling rejuvenated.  Ugh.  I still woke up in a fog.  I studied with friends in a different environment.  That went a little better, but still I didn’t feel “reset.” 

This morning I woke up to my alarm clock feeling sluggish.   

“If I just ignore my alarm for another hour, I’d just miss Sunday School… I could still make it for church.  Yes,” I reasoned, “God would most definitely understand.  I’m pretty tired and in need of refreshment, and this is really my only day to sleep in before the week of craziness.  He’d probably want me to get my rest.” 

In the stillness of the morning, the Lord reminded me of a portion of the passage that we had studied last week in Sunday School: 

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16, NIV

“What was that, Lord?  Oh… yes, I remember.  You are the one who does the renewing.  Do You see this?  I'm moving!  I’m going… I’m going.”

Once I was out of bed and on my way, I was caught up in my recently growing anticipation of the church service.  It’s funny how I’m beginning to see church in a different light than I ever have before.  I’m starting to see it as my Sunday School teacher described last week- kind of like a mess hall in the midst of battle.  Typically, by the time you make it to the mess hall, you’re hungry, and maybe even a bit battered.  There’s a cook who dishes out hot, steamy food to those who wait eagerly in line.  You get fed throughout the week while in the field, but sometimes what you get is hit or miss depending on the circumstances, and this is often so much better than your own meager cooking or stale sandwiches.  There’s a triage center for the wounded.  There are nurses and doctors to administer healing words and touch.  Instead of being intermingled with those who share a different battle plan and strategy, you are surrounded by those of like goals and game plan.  There is a place to rest, until it’s time to head out again.

We truly are a "mess" sometimes.  Take this for instance: I’m not typically an emotional individual when it comes to worship, but I was moved to tears as we sang this dear old hymn today at the beginning of the service.  I think I’m going to print it and keep it in the front of my binder this week as a reminder to me Who turns on my reset button.  

“Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear.
He, whose heart is kind beyond all measure,
Gives unto each day what He deems best,
Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Every day the Lord Himself is near me,
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,
He whose name is Counsellor and Pow'r.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
"As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,"
This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then, in every tribulation,
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith's sweet consolation,
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E'er to take, as from a father's hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till with Christ the Lord I stand.”

("Day by Day" by Lina Sandell)

If you see me this week, my back might be slightly hunched from bending over my notes and I may have dark circles under my eyes that will progressively become more pronounced, but be not mistaken- outwardly, I may be wasting away, but inwardly I am being "reset" day by day.  Praise the Lord for His work in me!

"The law of the LORD is perfect, 
refreshing the soul. 
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, 
making wise the simple." 

Psalm 19:7, NIV 

"Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, 
for his compassions never fail.  
They are new every morning; 
great is your faithfulness. 
I say to myself, 'The LORD is my portion; 
therefore I will wait for him.'"

Lamentations 3:22-24