![On The Tablet](https://mazuriministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/On-The-Tablet.jpg)
ON THE TABLET OF MY HEART
Like many of you, I needed something to do during those many months of “lockdown” during the COV19 pandemic. Hence, I binged watched a lot of series. How many of you watched the television series 24? Well, I did. I binged, and 24 captivated me. It was full of twists and turns and gut-wrenching, on the edge of your seat drama! You never knew from one episode to the next who would live or who might die, and the good guy wasn’t always good, and the bad guy (or girl) was usually decked out in sheep’s clothing but was actually a lion, ready to pounce. And I couldn’t get enough. Episode after episode, I found myself repeatedly saying, just one more, I have to know how things turn out for Chloe or Kim or Tony or Jack. I lost many a night’s sleep and some days of productive work!
Scripture
Romans 15:13 – Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Lessons Learned
I particularly remember one episode during Season 7. Although Jack, in previous seasons, had survived being held hostage, endured major beatings, dodged bullets, and survived explosions, I was sure that this particular episode was destined to be his demise. As the show began, “I am federal agent Jack Bauer, and this is the longest day of my life,” I was struck by how frail and near-death Jack looked. See, Jack had been exposed to biochemical weapons of mass destruction and this time it appeared that all hope had been lost. There was no cure, and everyone else who had been exposed had died. By episodes 17 and 18, Jack’s health was rapidly deteriorating. I was sure that this would be the one thing that would kill him. I was on pins and needles, and as I anxiously gripped my husband’s arm, I proclaimed, “Derrick, this is it. There’s no way Jack can come back from this one.”
My oh-so-tolerant husband would patiently remind me, “Dee, it’s not real.” And while I knew that the show was fictional, I had such a hard time remembering this. There were times when I confused the fictional show 24 with reality, like quoting President Palmer as if he were, in fact, our current President. Derrick also pointed out something else. As the credits rolled, he reminded me that the writers, Robert Cochran, Manny Coto and Evan Katz cared about Jack as much as I did, well, maybe even more since Jack was their livelihood. So since the show was not going off the air anytime soon, I should be assured that Jack would indeed live. And what do you know, Derrick was right. Jack lived to see another season!
What a reality check that last statement Derrick made about the show’s writers. See, the authors knew the end of the story. The authors had the power to write a story of life or death; the power to change the fate of the characters. And this caused me to reflect upon my own journey as an author. I, too, had all power over my characters. Did the name “Sue” match the personality of one of my characters? No problem. I could simply change her name to “Lindsey,” which better suited her bubbly, nature-loving, millennial personality. Was Seth coming across as too perfect? No problem. I could write in such a way to cast doubt regarding his impeccable characterization. Would Alex leave her husband? Would Barb find passion after 60? Would Shula strangle her mother? As the author, I have complete control over the story being told.
Lessons Lived
Reminds me of another author. “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith….” Hebrews 12:2. Do you get it yet? Are you shouting yet? Well, I, for one, am. See, Jesus knows the end of the story, the end of your story and my story. He knows that Satan is defeated and that Christ has the victory. And as the author of our stories, He can erase our mistakes, give us a new name, and transform our character. I, you, we have the privilege of living happily ever after!
Usually, I detest when someone who’s already seen whatever it is I’m watching gives the ending away. But not in the case of The Greatest Love Story Ever Told. See, God’s issued a spoiler alert and has told us the end of the story. We win. We are victorious. We will no longer experience hurt, pain, or sadness. We will live eternally with our heavenly Father.
This should give you HOPE. Despite all the doom and gloom and the agony and tragedy, we can have HOPE! COV19 and all its variants don’t matter. We have HOPE. Trump or Biden as President – Doesn’t matter. There’s HOPE. Violence, hatred and racial unrest – Doesn’t matter. We have HOPE. Oppression and poverty – Thank God, there’s still HOPE. So don’t be discouraged. Don’t be afraid for the Bible’s filled with promises of HOPE (Romans 8:24 and 15:13, Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 39:7, Proverbs 10:28).
And this hope should be the catalyst for our complete surrender.
Reflections
- How does Romans 15:13 speak to you?
- What are your thoughts about the text, “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” Hebrews 12:2?
- Does knowing that your future is secure give you hope? If so, how might you live your life differently, on the other side of despair?
- What are your personal LIFE Lessons?
- Liberation: : What new insights have you gained that have freed you from past thoughts or practices?
- Inspiration: In what ways have you been spiritually, emotionally or mentally motivated to live for Christ?
- Fortification: What additional scriptural texts, passages or stories can reinforce and strengthen you against the attacks of the enemy?
- Edification: How might you share your story to edify others and bring glory to God?
Playlist
As you process, digest, and apply what’s been shared, here are a few songs from my “Who God Is” Playlist. Listen and let the music infiltrate your soul. Read the lyrics and let the words encourage you. And I pray that you’ll be blessed as I was.
- God is Able by Smokie Norful – Smokie Norful – God is able
- My Redeemer Lives by Nicole C. Mullen – Nicole C. Mullen – My Redeemer Lives
Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, I come before You with praise and thanksgiving in my heart. Despite how I feel and my circumstances, I acknowledge how awesome You are. Your Word tells me that the antidote to fear and doubt is praise. You said that I should give praise in everything, which means when things are going well and when things hit rock bottom. So here I am, kneeling before Your throne in full adoration and giving honor and glory to Your name. My heart is so heavy right now, but I praise You anyhow because You’re my God, and You care about me. In 1 Peter 5:7, You tell me to cast all my cares upon You, and although the situation might not change, Psalm 73:3 tells me that You will be beside and before me, holding me in Your right hand. And even when I can’t feel You or sense that You’re near, I trust Your Word. My hope is in You oh God (Matthew 28:20). And because You are my hope and because Your promises are true, I surrender my all to You. There is none like You, and I love and adore You. In Your name, I pray, Amen.