“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” (Philippians 4:6-7 The Message Bible)
Probably since the late 1980’s I have enjoyed watching professional tennis tournaments. One of my favorites, perhaps tied with Wimbledon, is the U.S. Open. As of the writing of this meditation, this tournament is now about to go into the semi-final stage. One change I noticed this year is that players are allowed to talk with their coaches. Sometimes they are expressing frustration with their play, and at other times the coach is providing encouragement, instructions, etc. Yes, at times the players are venting, and at other times they are getting input that hopefully leads to winning. That’s a big change. You see, a few years ago, not that far away back, the top star of women’s tennis was penalized for what just “appeared” like her coach was talking to her or signaling to her. Now, wisely, the rule preventing interaction with their coaches has been changed at the Open.
This leads me to my point, the one for you to remember. We, as believers have an “open rule.” The rule: You can call on the Lord any time. Yes, you can have a little talk with Jesus anytime. And, in fact, you can take as long as you like to talk to the One who rules on high. Now that is how our “open rule” go! You can talk about your mess-ups. You can vent, just like Job. You can seek help so you can have the victory for any moment, day or night. This rule has been in existence all your life, and for generations extending back to the early annuls of history found in the Scriptures. Thank God we have never been forbidden to talk to our “Coach!” Thank God that we have the privileges to come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. Thank God for “The Open Rule!”
Of course, what I wrote above leads me to a few questions, just a few. Are you taking advantage of “the open rule?” Did you take advantage of it this morning? Will you take advantage of it today? My hope is that you do, for you will perform in such a way that you meet the Lord’s expectations. Your “Christian walk game” will be improved. And get this, if you don’t get it right at times, you will get another opportunity to do so and gain the victory, winning the match over our adversary. Thank God again that we have “the open rule!” Have a phenomenal, prayerful, powerful Wednesday, but make sure you take advantage of “the open rule.” Listen! Don’t just read this message, really! Reach upward for guidance, good encouragement, and gentle motivation! Be blessed!
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2 King James Version)
Mark L. King