I need MORE THAN JUST THE MUSIC these days more than ever. Its FANTABLOUS to sing and write songs to make the love of God an unavoidable issue. But each of us gets to a point in our lives where there’s more. Maybe for ten years we were home-makers and now our kids are older and we wanna go back to work… we start our own businesses, or work in a candy shop, or try something new, or ??? make the next greatest film…FILL IN THE BLANK.
Clearly, we are not “HUMAN DOINGS” but instead we are HUMAN BEINGS. The Bible is clear that the Lord loves us for who we are, not what we do. The book of Isaiah reminds us that we are a royal crown in the hands of Adonai (Isaiah 62:3). In fact, we are daughters of the King. Our G-d and our King has decided to RESIDE in our hearts when we confess that He is our G-d. Because of His indwelling RUACH or breath and Spirit, we are His tabernacle. regardless of what career paths we choose.
Yet when we give, we receive something far greater! We seek to do Mitzvot or good things because we love people. Giving is a gift I cannot describe. We are not required or obligated, but when we are strengthened, we tend to give back.
This leads me to my pre-interview with Mitch Forman (VP of Chosen People Ministries) today. I can’t quote him exactly, and I’m certain he said it better than I can say it, but he told me that in this lifetime, each person is offered two "shaloms." The first Shalom is the peace we receive when we BELIEVE, when we confess that Yeshua is our Messiah and receive the promise of life after death.
The second Shalom, he said, is when we GET TO LIVE OUT OUR PURPOSE…the moment we get to do what we were called to do for the sake of giving back to others. Some call this Tikkun Olam- repairing the World. I would add here that some people may not feel they are not healing the world in a huge way. But it’s the little things we get to do to bring joy and light up this world. When we finally reach the point in life where we get to live out our God-inspired destinies, there is a 2nd Shalom we get to experience… a great fulfillment.
What is this “second Shalom” for you? Ask the Lord. He promises that if we ask for what we need with the right motives in our hearts, He will give us the delight of our hearts. He promises that his sheep can hear His voice- whether through quiet waters or mighty rushing winds.
Prayer of Response:
Avinu Malkeinu, I continue to put my hope in you. My joy and my happiness will not be in people, places, and things. Fill me and allow me to live out my calling. Help me to put you and my family first. Allow me to live out all the days of my life, making the most of every opportunity. You are my FIRST SHALOM. Thank you for allowing me to live in my 2nd Shalom so I may be a light in this world and go to bed knowing, I came to this earth doing what you called me to do. Help me to live and breathe in this moment now as I wait. Amen.