Life or Death - Marlene Custer
Recently I enjoyed one of my favorite activities—walking along the edge of the ocean, letting the waves roll gently over my feet. I am not alone in the enjoyment of water. Countless people spend vacation time in areas where water provides a myriad of recreational activities. Psalm 23:2-3 verifies the calming effects of water by declaring that our souls are restored “beside quiet waters”.
Water is necessary for our very survival. It is essential for plant growth and aquatic life. When scientists study our solar system, their first concern is whether a particular planet has water.
While water is beneficial to life and health, it can bring death and devastation when it gets out of control. Floods, tsunamis, and storms are terrifying events. We can make some parallels to our lives. There are characteristics and activities that are very good and beneficial to us. However, if we become obsessive about them, they will become harmful and detrimental.
God’s Word talks about self-control. It is one of the fruits of the spirit. Proverbs warns, “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” Eating, hobbies, and surfing the internet are a few things that can be good unless they become obsessive and out of control. The Bible teaches that we cultivate self-control by staying close to Christ, reading His word and spending time in prayer. Paul encouraged Timothy with these words, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”
“Jesus, please help me to make prayer and reading your Word a priority. Help me to allow you to shape and control my life.”
NIV Psalm 23:2,3, Proverbs 25:28, 2 Timothy 1:7
Marlene is a retired teacher who wants to make Jesus known. Contact
