Pump It Up! Live Elated, Not Deflated Through Disappointing Daysنموونە

How do you ponder in the deep blue yonder?

As you lie in your dinghy, staring up into the deep blue yonder, how do you ponder? I was so challenged by a line from an old hymn that I came across in my dinghy days, after not hearing it for years. The line said, “Ponder anew, what the Almighty can do.” This was an incredible kick up the backside for me and my black spot (that’s not an admission to having a spot on my behind!) Yes, I have some challenging circumstances; there's no doubt about that. But I also have a God who can do ‘immeasurably more than all I can ask or imagine’.

When I decide to ‘ponder anew’ on what my incredible God has done throughout the Bible, my own life, and the lives of countless other believers, it fuels my faith for what exciting things he may do in my current situation. If I focus my pondering on my black spot circumstances, I quickly spiral into negativity. My thoughts are along the lines of ‘this feels impossible, how will things ever change, everything is stacked against me, life will never improve.’ However, if I choose to ‘ponder anew’ as the hymn suggests, I think along the lines of: ‘I know this situation will shift, I know that God will provide for me, I know that God makes a way where there is no way, God has good plans for my future.’ Protect your pondering and make it pirate-proof!

In summary of the last few days of our pirate pondering, I want to encourage you to courageously face the things that particularly plague your mind during dinghy days of difficulty and vulnerability. Don’t be afraid to really wrestle with your pirates, so that you can reject them and make them walk the plank because you truly believe what God’s word says about them and about you. Let’s read, digest, and understand God’s word so we truly can use it as a double-edged sword, the most powerful weapon against the pirates sent to plunder. Let’s develop resilience, recognising that we all face challenges, but we have an incredible Saviour, Jesus, who stands alongside us throughout every stormy trial. Let’s make sure we are asking for support in wiping out the black spots we feel we have been dealt. Let’s stand together in strength, believing for God to turn things around as we ‘ponder anew’ what our Almighty God can do.

Protect your pondering!

Reflection

Are you engaging in some positive pondering? If not, make a conscious effort to ‘ponder anew’ today.