Can You Be More Specific?

I have always been the kind of person that enjoyed learning and could usually pick up new things rather quickly. But as far as parenting is concerned, I think I am a slow learner. It was nearly 9 years ago that our first bouncing baby boy came into the world. Yet, after all that time, I have still not figured this all out. God does keep teaching me though. Just this week, it hit me that I should not assume that what I say will be taken the way I mean it. I realize that I need to be more specific. For example:

• "Pick up the toys" can be understood as "Pick up the toys from the floor and pile them all on the bed/dresser/sink or other higher surface." 
• "Put your dirty dishes away" (while standing by open dishwasher) can be interpreted as "Move dirty plates from one position on the kitchen counter to another, and if possible, even further from the dishwasher than before."
• "Do not hit your brother" could mean "It's OK to pinch, poke, slap, or body-slam my brother."
• "Pick up your pajamas" translates into "Stuff your pajamas in between the couch cushions." (seriously happened)
• "Get in the shower" could mean "Run the water for 20 minutes; splash and play;  washing not included."

Of course, I know that some of the breakdown is in the receiver, not the sender, but when I speak to my children, I hope that more specific (clear, precise, detailed) communication will help them to better understand and respond more appropriately. I know it may not seem a great revelation to you, but this will be something I really need to practice. It does not always come easy to me. Not just in what I say to my boys or even perhaps to my husband (that would be another list), but I realize the same is true of my spiritual life as well. Sometimes, there can be great benefit from being specific with the Lord. Not for His sake, but for mine. You see, it can become easy for me to think about God and the things of God in broad, general terms and not in explicit and detailed ones. So, here are a few ways I thought perhaps I could practice being more specific in my spiritual walk.

• Read God's Word as if it were for me (since it is). I'm going to insert my name in it when I read it. What a difference that can make! Though some Scriptures were for a particular person or people (i.e. Abraham or the nation of Israel), most of it is especially for me and you (and even with the particular ones, we often get to benefit in some way from them). His Word is individual and personal, even as it is corporate as each of us join together to be the Body of Christ. If I read it as being for me personally, wouldn't I more likely become a doer of the Word and not just a hearer only?  Wouldn't reading His promises give me greater peace? Wouldn't meditating on His works increase my love for Him? Because after all, He's talking to me.

"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God." 2 Corinthians 1:20
 

• Pray the Scriptures. Use His own words as I turn verses into prayers. Have specific praises and requests in mind when I pray, and do it with greater fervor. I can call upon one of His many names depending on my need. I can try to be more careful to confess my specific sins, not just lump them all into the category of  "bad attitude". I always want to desire His will to be done, but He can and will reveal specific aspects of it to me.

"And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father." John 14:13

 

• Sing hymns and songs with a personal viewpoint so that I see the verses of a song applying to me and my circumstances. And so, this is the particular area where I was challenged a few days ago.

This past Saturday, we had the great joy of hearing the Watoto African Children's Choir in concert. It was an amazing experience to hear these orphans sing and share about how happy they are because of the love of Jesus. They used the opportunity to encourage us too, which was an unexpected blessing. Despite many losses in their lives, they wanted us to know that no matter what problems we faced, God cares for each of us. It was humbling. These are some of the lyrics they sang just after a few of them shared their testimonies.

I am not forgotten

I am not forgotten

I am not forgotten

God knows my name.

 

Seeing and hearing these orphans sing this song with such joy brought tears to my eyes. No matter how many people (no matter how many orphans) are in the world, God had not forgotten them. For some reason, at that moment, as I was thinking, 'How wonderful that the Lord has not forgotten these orphans', He spoke to me and said, "I have not forgotten you either. I know your name too." I needed that. 

I wonder, do you need to take this personally and specifically today as well? Then, hear it as from Him:  

I have not forgotten you.

I know your name.

I know your every word before it leaves your lips. 

I have numbered the hairs on your head.

I have engraved you on the palms of My hands.

I have (or am) specifically calling you to Me.

I have loved you with an everlasting love.

You are mine.