HELPFUL REMINDERS

Exodus 28:1-43; Matthew 25:31-26:13; Psalm 31:9-18; Proverbs 8:12-13

“In this way, Aaron will carry the names of the tribes of Israel on the sacred chestpiece over his heart when he goes into the Holy Place. This will be a continual reminder that he represents the people when he comes before the Lord.”

“She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial.  I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”

“But I am trusting you, O Lord,
saying, ‘You are my God!’  My future is in your hands.”

My perspective has really been adjusted this week.  Spirituality lives behind every turn in the trail.  From waterfalls to brilliant colors and simple solitude among the mountains, each experience reminds me that God is still here, still creating, still preparing and providing for His children’s welfare.   Focusing on these things allows my soul to rest.  On the other hand, the news, Blackberry and numerous “For Sale” signs all trespass on this sanctuary and serenity.  Was everyday life ever meant to be as complicated as it seems from the woods of Maine?  Basic choices here seem much clearer: intentionally seek out and claim grace, and choose to rely on the Holy Spirit to make all things work to good for those who love Him; or allow doubt a foothold, wonder if the Lord has lost control, and give in to anxiety.  I am learning that how I see the world, and my sense of hope vs. insecurity, is at least as much an act of will as it is a consequence of viewpoint and circumstance.  And will needs a focus.  I have rediscovered mine here in the grandeur of God’s creation.

Maybe that’s why Scripture consistently teaches we all need things which remind us of God and the work He has done on our behalf.  We need reminders of what is holy, reminders of what extravagant love looks like, and reminders of Who holds the future in His hands.  We need these reminders because, when the world intrudes, it works to destabilize faith.  Unstable faith, in turn, can lead to disillusionment, or worse.  We need tangible signposts to guide us back to the life and reliance on the Spirit that God intended from the start.

Spiritual reminders aren’t about idolatry.  They are just about helping us keep our balance in a world which promotes change above certainty and progress over prudence.  Spiritual reminders never substitute for the presence of the Spirit.  But they can remind us of our own redemption and salvation at times when we don’t feel either.  Like cairns lead a hiker to the next step in the trail, so spiritual reminders help us get back in step with the Lord.   We all might feel a bit more secure if we took a few minutes each day just to focus intentionally on the things which lead us back to God.