Use God's Design to Work for You
Questions More Powerful than Answers
“Me and Meadow” soft pastel by Myra Alibrando
Little Notes about Last Week
I said to set aside an hour a day accumulating to 2,555 hours a year . . . duh, I multiplied by 7 because 365 x 1 = 365. Thank you Jon, for pointing this out. Did anyone else notice?
#52 was my first year anniversary writing this weekly devotional. :) I hope it has been of some value to you.
Super Human Anatomy
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14
I have recorded many Nature Narrations for radio about the wonders of human anatomy. No doubt, I could have done many more. No one would believe that we could really make a living human body from the molecules up to each type of living cell and create a communication system between cells so that all human parts are a coordinated population of 37 trillion, not at war or competing but agreed on the priority of your well-being. The abilities go far beyond the physical to the realm of the mind, and our emotional need for answers and purpose. Our need for love and affirmation. The good health that results from a cheerful disposition and the many ailments that arise from complaining or constant worry.
Be Careful What You Ask
But one thing I want to tell you is to be careful what you ask, because the way God made our mind, it is a servant and will even subconsciously look for answers.
So, if you ask yourself "Why don't people like me?" you may get more than one answer. That answer is from your own mind and may not be true but offered as a "solution" to your request for that previous question.
On the positive side if you ask yourself "Why does God love me so much?" you may get good or bad doctrine, but again you will probably get more than one answer from your own mind in service to your request, as best it can.
Open-Ended Question Teaching
There are teaching methods employing open-ended questions to make students think rather than memorize. This is exercise for the brain and I think creates this back and forth relationship between the person and their brain. I know that sounds a little schizophrenic but many times I have encountered a question for which I had no solution. I am no fan of "blanket answers" just to have an answer that may be wrong or even fake. So I kind of promise myself that I will get back to it knowing full well that I will actually be working on the problem once I have consciously defined it.
So better life questions might be "How can I make this work?" rather than "Why can't I figure this out?"
Focusing Smart is not Goofy Denial
God never wants us to shut down reality for a brighter picture, but the Bible often cautions us to be careful at how we think.
". . . whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8
Which is much better than worrying or bitter in unforgiveness and frankly, there are many real things that are wonderful in your life right now.
To examine your own life is a good thing but remember this lesson about well-constructed questions. You'd be doing yourself a favor.
Another Example
Rather than ask yourself "Why don't people like me?" there might be room for a behavior change but a better question is "What can I do to make people more comfortable?" Do you see the difference in answers? One set of answers finalizes why no one likes you. The other invites improvement and does not cast judgement nor condemn you as forever unlikeable.
Chew on Proverbs, It’s Good for Wisdom
A good life is a great skill and I suggest Proverbs if you are young. It's good for all ages too.
He stores up sound wisdom for the upright and is a shield to those who walk in integrity—guarding the paths of the just and protecting the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right, just, and upright—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Proverbs 2:7-10
Pursuing wisdom and understanding is not a one-month journey, it is lifelong, but its rewards are lifelong . . . and even longer.
This is a good week for that journey.
“Me and Meadow” soft pastel by Myra Alibrando
Myra, your soft pastel painting “Me and Meadow” is absolutely delightful! The vibrant colors of the wildflowers scattered throughout the meadow create such a lively, joyful scene. The way you've used a mix of soft greens for the grass, accented by pops of pink, white, yellow, and blue in the flowers, makes the entire landscape feel alive and full of energy. It’s as though the meadow is dancing with the breeze, inviting me to take a moment to breathe and appreciate nature’s beauty.
The soft texture of the pastels adds a lovely, dreamlike quality to the painting, making it feel serene and peaceful. The depth you’ve created with the trees and mountains in the background contrasts beautifully with the vibrant foreground, giving the scene a sense of space and calm. It’s as if I could step into the painting and lose myself in this tranquil, colorful meadow.
Your ability to convey the beauty and simplicity of nature is truly inspiring. This piece radiates warmth and reminds me of how rejuvenating it can be to spend time in nature. The delicate balance between the softness of the pastels and the vibrancy of the colors makes this work so captivating.
Keep sharing your gift, Myra! As Vincent van Gogh said, “If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.” Your art shows that you’ve found that beauty, and you’re helping others to see it too. Keep creating, it’s a beautiful journey!
Thank you, Samuel, for sharing these profound reflections. Your insights into the intricacies of human anatomy truly highlight the marvelous complexity of our creation. The emphasis on asking the right questions rather than dwelling on negative thoughts is a powerful reminder of how we can direct our minds toward growth and positivity. The use of Proverbs as a guide for wisdom is indeed a timeless approach, and I appreciate the encouragement to pursue wisdom as a lifelong journey. This message resonates deeply, and I look forward to applying these teachings in my own life.