August 16

Jeremiah 44:24-46:12, 2 Timothy 2:22-26 [reflection], Psalm 93:1-5, Proverbs 21:14-16

 "Run from anything that stimulates youthful lust." (2 Timothy 2:22a)  Wow!  If there was ever a timely challenge for today this is it!  

We live in a stimulating time.  Television, movies, internet, magazines, billboards -- all are designed to stimulate us in the direction that the owner wants us to go.  "Spend money!" "Indulge yourself!" "Upgrade today!"  The calls to "youthful lusts" surround us.  How can we resist?

The answer is in the next sentence. "Follow anything that makes you want to do right." Especially, "Pursue faith and love and peace, and enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts." (vs. 22b)  We resist the stimulation around us by knowing what is right and pursuing it with others who love God.  

The lie of the enemy is that you won't have any fun if you don't "have it your way."  But the Truth says, "Pursue faith and love and peace [at their Source]" and "all these things will be added to your life."  A frantic dog runs around in circles chasing its tail.  At the end of the day the dog is panting and exhausted -- and still just as far from its tail!  

Are you exhausted today?  Perhaps you've been chasing your tail, stimulating youthful lusts that won't satisfy.  It's time to stop, breathe deeply, and embrace the truth.  "Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts."  Your longings will be satisfied.