If you’ve been reading the blog lately, you know I’ve been in a [relatively] still state these last couple of weeks. (Except for the thousands of arm circles and broomstick moves I perform every day:)

This still state has given me lots of opportunity to reflect on the theme of “doing.”  This morning I came upon an index card lying under a stack of papers on my desk. Occasionally a verse or passage hits me in a new way and I write it down (because it seems my ability to memorize left me in my 40’s along with eyesight and other losses).

Listen to this:

Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.

Sounds vaguely familiar, right? It is the last verse in one of our well-worn Christmas passages that foretells the Savior. As much as I love the preceding passages that tell of a kingdom of peace and beauty and righteousness, I really love the very last words of this verse, and NOT just because I can remember them. Watch out, I’m going to write it LARGE!

THE ZEAL OF THE LORD ALMIGHTY WILL ACCOMPLISH THIS! [Exclamation point implied:]

One translation says, “The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will DO it!” When I worry and fret, I need re-orientation. I need to remember what I pray many mornings, “Thy will be done.” And then I need to remember that His will really will be done. And how will it be DONE? Not by my doing. Yes, by my active participation, whether through prayer or other means. But not by my doing. By his passion, might, mercy and strength. Say it with me now. Aloud. Right there in Panera.

THE ZEAL OF THE LORD ALMIGHTY WILL ACCOMPLISH THIS.

And today, through the day, when you need a rescue, remember that the rescuer has already come. The doing of redemption has been done. The ongoing process of renewal is being done. I think I’ll go back to my recliner and ponder that for a while:)!