What kind of person are you...

We've all done them. You know those silly little quiz things in magazines where you're asked to answer a few inane questions and then tell you what kind of person you are!

This week I've found myself thinking about what sought of person I am or at least would like to be. I guess as a man, husband and father I've always thought I'd like to be assertive, in control and generally taking on life's challenges but the death of a friend has made me re-think. She was quiet, shy, giggly and timid on the surface but underneath it was clear to those who knew her that she didn't care what people thought of her and was determined to live as God wanted her to. To this end she was generous, thoughtful, she would always compliment and flatter, see the best in a situation and try to live, speak and be God's word to others.

I guess the most important thing is that we are true to what and how God calls us to be. This is hardest at work where most people I interact with on a daily basis have a pretty radically different world view. This means a daily battle to be in the world but not of it. This was especially brought to mind during a recent staff meeting where massive budget cuts where being discussed. The feeling of anger, worry and fear was tangible and some times vocalised. We where even asked to come up with ideas ourselves for how the cuts could be made. I remarked at one point that it felt like being asked to do open heart surgery... on yourself!

I could feel the same feelings of dread rising in me as I was having very real thoughts about being unable to provide for my wife and 5 boys or pay the mortgage. Whilst my logical self was working out how likely I am to have a job in a years time my spirit was sure that there was a better way to approach this.

When I returned home I read this...

Psalm 3

A Psalm by David, when he fled from Absalom his son.

3:1 Yahweh, how my adversaries have increased!

Many are those who rise up against me.

3:2 Many there are who say of my soul,

“There is no help for him in God.”

Selah.

3:3 But you, Yahweh, are a shield around me,

my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.

3:4 I cry to Yahweh with my voice,

and he answers me out of his holy hill.

Selah.

3:5 I laid myself down and slept.

I awakened; for Yahweh sustains me.

3:6 I will not be afraid of tens of thousands of people

who have set themselves against me on every side.

3:7 Arise, Yahweh!

Save me, my God! 

 

nuff said!