Alongside the headline for a “New Body,” in the supermarket, I saw headlines promoting personal transformation. “Achieve greater emotional satisfaction and inner peace,” one promised. “Awaken the self within you. Access your inner wisdom,” another urged.
I must admit, I’m not sure I trust my own wisdom! And often, “awakening the self” in me just leads to negative self-talk.
But what I really want, if God has given me a new heart and put a new spirit, as we discovered in “A Fresh Start Without the Striving” is that we have God’s wisdom available to us and within us.
But wisdom, being wise, doesn’t seem to happen automatically. I still say the most stupid things that upset people and those I love. Even with a new heart and a mind that’s being transformed, I struggle to love the person who is annoying, or think kind and peace-loving thoughts.
But then, we read in Philippians 2:12: “Work out your salvation.” Even though God in his grace gives us everything we need for a new Spirit-filled way of living, we still need to do our part. It doesn’t mean to do nothing.
My pastor once explained the phrase “work out” that gave a clearer perspective. It is the same word used to describe miners bringing silver deposits to the surface.
What a beautiful way to think about the new heart and new Spirit God has placed inside us—it is the treasure we should work hard to bring to the surface. That includes wisdom—described as like rubies in the book of Proverbs.
Here are some ideas of where to swing your pickaxe this week to bring your treasure to the surface:
In the checkout line: When the line is long and you feel impatience rising, mine the treasure of patience that the Spirit has already placed in you.
During a difficult conversation: When you want to have the last word, mine the treasure of self-control.
When you make a mistake: When the negative self-talk starts (“I’m so stupid”), mine the treasure of God’s truth (“I am a beloved child”).
When you are exhausted: When you feel empty, mine the treasure of joy that doesn’t depend on your energy levels.
We have a role to play. Our role this year isn’t to manufacture something fake, but to “mine” that treasure. We “work out” what God has “worked in,” bringing that wisdom to the surface as wholesome thoughts, nourishing words, and beneficial actions. That might look like rethinking our choices, pausing before we speak, re-evaluating our purposes.
But if that sounds like too much grit and not enough grace, the follow-on verse from Philippians 2:12 encourages us that we are not doing this work alone: God “is working in you. God is helping you. “ You can look at it like having that personal trainer, who keeps you going to the gym when the New Year’s resolution has burned out.
A Prayer for the Journey of GRACE
Lord, help me “work out” what you’ve placed within me
Shape my thoughts, words, and habits by your Spirit.
As I mine the gifts of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—
Let what’s inside shine through in how I live today.
Amen.
Go Deeper
Mining the treasure of kindness is hardest when we are in the middle of a conflict. In Pray Naturally, we look at the life of Abigail (Day 112), a woman who “mined” generosity and patience to diffuse a dangerous situation with David. Her story proves that bringing our internal treasure to the surface can actually change our external circumstances. Read her story and use the guided prayer to find your own words of kindness.
You don’t need to be a spiritual giant to mine the treasure within; you just need to be willing. In Pray Naturally, we explore the story of Esther (Day 113)—an ordinary woman from an insignificant family who “worked out” such exceptional character that she won the favor of a king. Discover how God uses ordinary women to do extraordinary things when they let His Spirit shine through.
Knowing what to mine is one thing; knowing how to pray for it is another. Whether you need the kindness of Abigail (Day 112) or the composure of Esther (Day 113), Pray Naturally offers 120 days of fill-in-the-blank prayers to help you “work out” these qualities in your own life. Grab your copy to start turning your God-given treasure into daily strength.
