Did You Remember The Cross Today?
Working at my desk, piled high with paperwork. Responding to about 20 texts, while simultaneously updating spreadsheets and to do lists. Making phone calls, sending out more emails and texts, and reheating my morning coffee! This is just one day among many in preparation for a huge Saturday! I walked away from my desk with my mind in a fog–certain I had forgotten something significant. A moment later, I remembered–I wanted to remember the cross!
I’m not the only one with a hectic schedule right now. Band Solo/Ensemble competitions are also in full swing. An accompanist friend of mine is busy every day with either rehearsals and/or performances for the next couple of weeks. My church’s ladies retreat is in about 10 days, and the planning committee is in high gear with final preparations. Our church is also getting ready for the first fundraising activity for our Youth’s summer missions programs. Not to mention that Pearland Little League’s opening day is this weekend!
It’s a busy time for everyone! Busy schedules can bring stress and frustration. Often, we operate on auto-pilot, unaware of our thoughts. It shouldn’t be surprising, though. We have an enemy who would like nothing better than to keep us frantic and frazzled as we approach the most glorious day of the year!
The day he lost the battle.
The day Jesus Christ won, when He rose from the grave!!
In the midst of my own busyness I think to myself, I had a sweet quiet time this morning. Good Easter advent readings. But am I carrying that hope with me? Am I aware of my thoughts throughout the day? Is my busyness eclipsing these thoughts from my heart and my mind?
Wasn’t I asking these same questions a few months ago at Christmastime?
At least in December there is much to remind us of the reason for the season. Twinkle lights everywhere, homes and places of business decorated to the hilt, holiday shopping lists and parties. There’s not a lot of that around prior to Easter. Unless we happen to be in our local craft store or pass by the candy aisle at our grocer, there aren’t a lot of visual stimuli throughout the day to remind us to pause. You know … Selah … Stop and think about it. Remember the Cross!
But we need to! And we have to do it on purpose. Hurried and harried, when we stop and look at the cross–everything around us changes–including ourselves.
When we stop … and look at the cross, everything around us changes–including ourselves. Share on XWe must slow down, gaze at the cross, and consciously bring Christ into our activities.
He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. (1 Peter 2:24)
Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)
Personally, I can’t think of a more effective way to bring Christ into my world than through worship–worship through music. After all, the right song at the right time, is just … right! And it’s available almost any time.
This week at my ladies Bible study, the gal who led worship chose Chris Tomlin’s current song, “Good, Good Father.” If you haven’t heard it yet, you should take a few minutes and listen. She told our group that she has been listening to this song over and over–and I get it! It’s a very simple melody with simple, repeated phrases. It’s not really an Easter song. But thanks to some great worship leaders at my church, it’s the one that is running through my head now. It’s the song I’m using to point my heart to Christ and the Cross. This is an “on purpose” kind of thing. Sometimes I get so busy, even when singing worship music in the car, I’m not really aware of what I’m singing. And that misses the whole point!
It’s the stopping and the gazing.
I was tempted to quickly type up this post, press publish, and dash away. But God spoke to my heart saying, Stop. Did you really hear what I am telling you? So I did stop. I actually walked away to let my head and heart catch up with each other. Now I’m back, trying to make sense of it all.
This weekend, our school is hosting the next Winter Guard competition of the season, my very messy desk is evidence of my role in its planning. It will be a thrilling day! And I will be busy, busy, busy–all day long.
But I want to steal a few moments here and there to purposefully focus my thoughts on Christ, His Cross, and His resurrection.
As delightful as the day will be, there are bound to be times of craziness–and I will need a little peace. Gazing at the Cross, hiding away for a few minutes with some worship music–will be just what I need at that time!
What about you? I hope you are enjoying the many great bloggers who are posting daily in preparation for Resurrection Sunday. But the question is …
Do you remember the Cross in the fray of a busy schedule?
What’s on your playlist right now that helps you reflect on Christ and His resurrection?
Image of Crosses: Pixabay (Gerd Altmann)
Sorry. I messed up on the post. Coming to you from Truth and Grace. What a beautiful and thoughtful post to remind us to enter into the every day with Him: messy desk and all. We are sisters in more ways than one. I too thought of the cross this morning and was led to write about it. You are a blessings and certainly called to write and teach. RY Chris writing to you from a yielded heart.http://www.christinemalkemes.com/be-holy/
I love these beautiful words! Remember the cross seems simple enough but it has me thinking about my own day. It started with quiet one on one time with God but since then…. Hmmmm! I will be pondering your words tonight but I will be pausing to remember the cross. Good luck with everything this weekend!
Sweet Dianne, didn’t I tell you I was looking forward to your next word? And oh what a good one it is. You’re on to something that we all need.
I am often guilty of rushing through my quiet time only to feel helpless and harassed throughout the day. Yet the cross has such power to transform if only I would let it. Thank you so much for allowing God to speak powerfully to your heart and sharing your lesson with us.
Praying that God gives you more than enough ‘strength for the journey’ this weekend and during this very busy season.
Oh, Christine. I’m blessed and encouraged by your words. Thank you! Blessings to you on your weekend.
It’s amazing how easy it is to move into auto-pilot, Mary. Thanks for the well wishes! We are off and running!!
Thank you, Marva. Even with the best starts, our days can become frantic! Love you friend and thanks for the prayers.
Thank you for the reminder, Diane! You’re so observant about the visual reminders during Christmas and the lack of them during Easter. I feel called to be more aware now.
I really like that “stopping and gazing” and the idea that you can have your devotional time, but are you carrying it with you. That’s really convicting. I am glad you shared this.
It’s a challenge in our busy culture. But we can do it if we purpose to!
Thanks, Natalie. I’m glad it was meaningful for you. It is definitely a challenge to keep our eyes on Jesus when so many other things call for our attention!
Dianne, I’m so glad Arabah featured this today on Grace and Truth. I didn’t want to miss it. The song “He’s a Good Good Father?” I love it and also listened to it daily for months last summer and fall.
Thanks for your encouragement here to stop and remember the cross. Just 2 days ago I read from Hebrews 1: “But we do see Jesus, made lower than the angels for a little while, crowned with glory because he suffered death so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.”
It’s true that there’s not a lot around to remind us of Easter.
Thanks, Betsy. Obviously I’m a little late to the party … I thought this was a “new” song … But God knew when I would need it. He’s so *good* that way. The Scripture from Hebrews is beautiful … One to read and savor. Thanks so much for sharing that here.
The theme that I am known by God is playing through my world right now and the CT song you shared continues the melody. Thank you for sharing! I thought I was a busy lady until I read all that you have on your plate! May God’s hand be upon all you do, Dianne, as you seek to honor Him. Blessings.
Thanks, June. This week has been markedly slower. 🙂 So glad you are able to focus on God’s *knowing you*.