“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
This is your Monday Short meditation. A week ago, leading a mentoring session for a group of primary age children, we talked about various ways they could handle frustration. I have to stop and insert the fact that this is a smart group! One young lady was giving an example, and even though she is a fourth grader, she talked as if she was a socio-psychology major. She was giving an example and used the term, “domino effect,” explaining how one action could lead to a series of other actions, and she explained how they could be avoided. What does that have to do with the title above? Absolutely nothing, but I just had to show that our children are smarter than we think.
Now, let’s get to it, speaking of the title that caught your eye, referring to “Have A Little Talk with Jesus.” I’m sure most of you who have been in church for years remember that song we sang as children. It included these lyrics, “Have a little talk with Jesus. Tell Him all about your problems. He will hear your faintest cry, and He will answer by and by.” I’m glad you remembered it and if you started singing the rest of the song, stop for a minute and see what I took away from my mentoring session with the primary-age children last week.
So as we were talking about ways to handle frustration, the children provided the synonyms, “stress,” “tension,” and “just plain angry.”: You and I can relate to that, even at our “older” age. One of the ways was to have a little talk with Jesus. But listen, it was not in the context of the aforementioned song. The advice was when you get frustrated, children of adults, we need to have a little talk with Jesus, not to tell Him what we want, not to tell him about what has frustrated us, but rather to pray in gratitude, pray thanking God for very specific things. This is what happens. The frustration subsides and joy and praise takes its place. The physics theory proves right, “Two things cannot occupy the same space at the same time.”
Knowing this, when frustration arises, and believe me those times may come with surprises, but instead of staying tensed-up, angry, or troubled, have a little talk with Jesus thanking Him for all your blessings. Praise God instead of putting up with the frustration. Try it! Be blessed!
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136.1 NASB)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King
Oh yes. Having little talks with Jesus, does make everything alright. It doesn’t mean that your problem or situation is resolved. However, Jesus makes it easier to bear, and also calms you so not to make unwanted responses. Have a little talk with Jesus as many times as you need.
I know I can take your words as sincere. I see you on your kneea, having more than a little talk with Jesus every single day. Be blessed!