Chapel - Karen Gallimore

Podcast Transcript

Good morning, my name is Karen Gallimore and I am the Director of Campus & Conference Services at Tyndale University.  The title I have given this contribution to the Summer Chapel podcast series is “How Much Clearer”.

I am a planner.  I like when things are organized and orderly.  I like when things are clear and concise.  I like when things just fit. I do not like to beat around the bush.  If you have something to say…say it in a way that it cannot be misconstrued.  Be upfront. I like the practicality of the book of Proverbs, many chapters are clear in whatever translation you choose to read and there is often no need to search for a deeper meaning because it is as it says. However, what do you do when that level of clarity even, if it resonates intellectually, is still not lived out in our day-to-day lives?

Proverbs 13 speaks of unrelenting disappointment leaving us heartsick, of what happens when we ignore God’s word, what happens to liars, what happens when there is irresponsible talk, what happens when we refuse discipline, what happens when we hang with fools and so on. It could not be clearer. Proverbs 15 is another that speaks of a gentle answer turning away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.  A happy heart making the face cheerful, but heartache crushing the spirit.  Plans failing from lack of counsel, but with many advisors, they succeed.  The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful lone crushes the spirit. So, what do we do when we know what is right, but do what is not?

Here is where I speak to/of myself and all those who are in this place with me. Praise and prayer have gotten considerably harder for me; it is a challenge, as sometimes I just do not feel like it. For a person who likes order and structure I find my thoughts are rambling, there are moments when I find myself grasping for the right words, I literally feel despondent.

Moreover, truthfully prayer always seems easier when we are blessed and things are going well. So, the pep talk I give myself and am sharing with you and I know it’s easier said than done but, read God’s word. Spend time in the bible, read even when not in the mood.  Ask God to reveal himself through his words. Pray. God already knows our heart, he knows we do not feel like praising him, but we tell him and do it anyway, because he says so. I find it helps to go loud and proud with this type of praise Worship with confidence knowing that the Lord hears us and knows that even though it is hard we are pushing through, it is His will – God is still good when things are bad.

Why do we push through – it is a discipline, when we do not feel like praising God, but we do it anyway, we are offering a personal sacrifice. Proverbs 13 does not leave us hanging, it tells us what happens when we do what is wise and right - If we honor God’s commands, we grow rich. Sound thinking makes for gracious living. Embrace correction and live an honored life, become wise by walking with the wise, good things reward the righteous and so on. I pray an encouragement to us all that we seek to honour God and we try to do so by being deliberate in our time we spend with Him, by being considerate of others and their struggles, by self-reflection. As the presenter from last week’s the Public Lecture from the Candidate for Department of Counselling said, try to remember that:

1. God is present
2. God is at work
3. God is for the other person and
4. God is for you.

Amen.

— End of transcript —