It is not a word spoken

It is not a word spoken, 

Few words are said; 

Nor even a look of the eyes 

Nor a bend of the head, 

But only a hush of the heart 

That has too much to keep, 

Only memories waking 

That sleep so light a sleep. 

—Sara Teasdale (1884-1933)

Rich toward God

A new year, a clean slate, a fresh start. I'm glad 2014 is over. And yet I have apprehensions and doubts about looming responsibilities in 2015.

I have not intentionally laid out specific resolutions for the new year; rather, I've searched for a word or phrase to guide my pursuits, habits, attitudes, and priorities. A few strands of thought have been weaving themselves together to form my "phrase for 2015." In my Bible reading the other day, I was struck by the words Pharaoh gave Joseph to assure his brothers: "Have no concern for your goods, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours." (Genesis 45:20)

It made me think about the imperishable, undefiled, unfading inheritance God gives His people. Not only is it kept in heaven for us, but even now we enjoy those "immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:7)

And remember that phrase from a time-tested hymn?

"Solid joys and lasting treasure
None but Zion's children know."

Rich toward God! – I recalled the passage in Luke 12 where Christ used the phrase "rich toward God" in His parable about the foolish mindset of a prosperous farmer. Immediately following the parable Christ continued the theme of living "rich toward God" as He spoke to His disciples: 

"Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on... For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you have need of them. Instead, seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom... Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Luke 12:22b, 30-32, 34)

Words of comfort, yes, but also words of instruction. Paul similarly exhorted the Colossian believers: 

"[Since] then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth... You have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator... Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." (Colossians 3:1-3, 9b-10, 15)

And to young pastor Timothy: 

"As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life." (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

I pray that 2015 will be a year in which the realization of our riches in Christ leads to our deeper gratitude, joy, contentment, peace, humility, and generosity. 

Rich toward God!

May this be true in my life, and in yours, my dear one.