“I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them.” Ezekiel 11:19 NIV
“Life’s sweet spot is your undivided heart centered in God’s will.”
My thoughts today are about being “life’s sweet spot.”
I enjoy a game of golf, and I am told that the golf club has a “sweet spot,” the place where you get maximum result from your focused effort. The ball flies straighter and further with less effort and error. Admittedly, my golf swing has only rarely and randomly found that special place. Life too has a sweet spot, where life is better, and where you will be happier and more effective. Here’s what I think; life’s sweet spot is your undivided heart centered in God’s will.
Ever tried to do something well when you knew your heart was not really into doing that? That’s usually called half-hearted. How well did you do that task? Your heart is central to your success and satisfaction. Occasionally, you do things out of duty, and should; but the things you really enjoy and succeed at doing are done out of desire and with delight. You couldn’t help yourself; you chose to do them with delighted anticipation. The Psalmist spoke prophetically of Jesus, “I delight to do Your will, O my God.” Psalm 40:8 NKJV. No task is grievous for the person who finds delight in it.
Life’s tasks could probably be distinguished as things you enjoy doing and things you do well. All of us are a mixed bag of talents and interests. There are things you do well but do not particularly enjoy doing; you find success but not an equivalent satisfaction. There are also other things that you probably enjoy doing but do not do particularly well. It will be frustrating to be always engaged in matters for which you have neither enjoyment nor talent.
Life’s sweet spot for you will be found in the center of God’s will – where your assignment matches your God-given abilities and natural talents, and where you find lasting fulfillment. “Because of God’s great mercy to us I appeal to you: offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to god, dedicated to His service and pleasing to Him . . do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God – what is good and is pleasing to Him and is perfect.” Romans 12:1-2 TEV. The person finding that consistency of purpose and passion discovers the joy of life in serving God.
The prophet Ezekiel foresaw a promised time when “The Sovereign Lord said . . ‘I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them.’” Ezekiel 11:19 NIV. Do you have an undivided heart? Carly Fiorina, former CEO of Hewlett-Packard, advised, “Love what you do or don’t do it . . make the choice to do something because it engages your heart as well as your mind.” You become bored and less productive when your heart is disengaged from your activities. Read Colossians 3:22-23 NKJV.
My prayer for you today is that you find life that seems effortless and yet is effective.