“We don’t go to movies very often,” Stan began, “but we went to that new theater out on James Road last night.”
“How was it?” I asked.
“The movie was just okay,” Stan replied, “but the sound was absolutely fantastic.”
“The sound? What do you mean?”
“It’s some sort of surround-sound system that just envelopes you,” Stan said. “The sound comes at you from every direction.”
“Did it make the movie any better?” I asked.
“Not really,” Stan replied, “but it was quite an experience!”
Continuing, he added, “It brought to mind how important it is for me to be surrounded by the sound of God.”
“Sound of God? What kind of sound?”
“Whatever He wants to surround me with,” Stan replied. “His word, His voice, His protection, and His every provision. That, to me, is the sound of God.”
“However,” he continued, “for too long in the past I chose to surround myself with everything but God. And, if I’m not diligent, even now I can choose to surround myself with stuff that is contrary to what God has for me.”
“What kind of stuff?” I asked.
“Things of the world, the flesh, and the devil,” Stan replied. “Things of self and self-focus. Inappropriate thoughts, attitudes, actions, and even people. Anything that is going to lead me in not being surrounded by God and what He has for me.”
“How,” I asked, “do you avoid being surrounded by that sort of stuff, as well as being surrounded by what God wants?”
“It’s called choice,” Stan replied. “Everything I allow into my life, everything I choose to have surround me, is a choice. I just need to make the choices God has for me so I will be surrounded by Him and what He has for me.”
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Bible verses to consider:
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever. Psalm 125:2.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15.
Leave the presence of a fool, or you will not discern words of knowledge. Proverbs 14:7
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for wanting to surround me with all you have for me. You surround me with the assurance of life in your eternal presence when my time here is done. And you surround me with all you have for me on this side of eternity. I confess that too often I choose to be surrounded, not by you, but by the things of the world, the flesh, and the devil. I choose to surround myself with what I want apart from you. Please forgive me. And please, Father, help me in following you in choosing to be surrounded by you with all you have for me. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: What we surround ourselves with is always a choice. How are you doing with the choices you make in that regard? Do you think God is pleased with the choices you make? Why or why not? If you would like to surround yourself with God and with all He has for you on both sides of eternity, do you know how you can choose to make that can happen?
Waiting for the Train 