Daily Devotion - Friday, July 17

Be Good to Yourself

“Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, ‘Father?’
‘Yes, my son?’ Abraham replied.
‘The fire and the wood are here,’ Isaac said, ‘but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?’”
--An old faith story
Genesis 22: 7

“Be good to yourself” is an activity that we all should remember and practice far more than we do. Today’s tip would go something like this: If you have a question or if you want something from someone, ask.

Keeping the question inside will never yield an answer, only possible answers. Generally we can be perfectly OK with an answer of “No.” If we fail to ask, we are not being true to ourselves. The old faith story of Abraham and Isaac is a good example. Isaac understood the whole idea of burnt offerings, knowing a “sacrifice” was necessary. The more they journeyed, the more curious he became. It looked like the only sacrifice available was Isaac or his father (and he was pretty sure it couldn’t be dad). He kept asking questions.

Learning to ask questions allows you to release the desires of your heart without fear. Have a good weekend. Ask the questions. Receive the answers. Be true to yourself and you will be practicing the art of being good to yourself.

Prayer: God, will you please keep watching over this world (and me)? Amen.

--Ben Keckler
07.17.09