How To Calm Your Spirit During Tricky Times: Concentrate On Being “Fruitful”

Titus 3:1-2,8,9,14

 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be uncontentious, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.  This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.  But shun foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law; for they are unprofitable and worthless. And let our people also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, that they may not be unfruitful.

    The Bible is big on living a “fruitful” or productive life.  But just like when a mother tells a child to simply “Be good,” a little more specific information is often needed so that the child can know how be successful. Well, God is the ultimate Parent and doesn’t want you to miss your moment, your signal, or your blessing.  That’s why He put specific directions in the Bible so that you can live more fruitfully and not get caught up in “things” that won’t matter in the long run anyway.  The first helpful hint is to recognize that you are where you are and with whom you are for a reason.  In any situation, there is only so much you can do, so whoever your “authority” is, even if you are dissatisfied, God wants you to “be ready for every good deed”(Titus 3:1). When your heart is closed because you are thinking about how much you don’t care for another person or any given situation, you won’t be able to recognize God’s perfect will or plan for your life.  You’ll miss your blessing.  Remember that your ultimate goal is to accomplish the things during your time on earth that you were created for.  Don’t let yourself get sidetracked with negative discussions that go nowhere.  They are a detriment and just really, really bad for your spirit. Pray for your heart to soften so that you will have the energy and desire to actually accomplish good deeds. Once you have prayed for your “heart-softening,” your spirit will be ready to receive more of God’s specific tips. Don’t talk badly about anyone.   Be gentle and show consideration for everyone.  Don’t be contentious, which is a fancy way of telling you not to be argumentative.  Remember you are supposed to be concentrating on being gentle so that people can “hear” you better and you can share your message or get your point across more clearly.  Being contentious won’t get you anywhere, especially any nearer to your desired goal or what you really want. God gives you these great strategies so that you can be calm in the midst of tricky times in your life. You can’t always change the way that you feel about any one person or situation, but you can change what you say and do.  By redirecting your words to reflect gentleness and love, you will actually calm your spirit, so that you will be able to move further down your road and receive all the blessings that God has in the storehouse with your name on them. 

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"Keeping Your Lamp Lit"
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"Good Strategies for Bad Times"
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