My kitchen redo is finally done. It took me an entire year to do what could have taken 3 months. Imagine my relief when I stumbled upon an article encouraging a slow pace on home improvement projects. Apparently, the goal of completing the project is not speed. The goal is satisfaction. But I knew my redo delays were about more than picking out hardware for our cabinets.

The hub of our home echoed the cry of my heart. I also needed realignment. The dictionary definition is “the act or instance of restoring or changing to a previous or different position.”

It’s the focus of part 2 of the Joy to the Soul Summer series. In our scriptural theme, the writers of Psalm 84 had made major adjustments in their lives. As the sons of Korah, they experienced the loss of their father and others who rebelled against God. (Numbers 16) But after seeing what happened to those who did wrong, Korah’s sons learned the benefit of doing right.

Here’s what they said. “For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in you.” (Psalms 84:11-12 NLT)

Eventually, they came to know God as the greatest source of warmth and light (their sun). They knew He provided His protection over them (their shield). But what about you and me? How are we coming to know God more? It’s something to think about in any season.

But since summer occurs midyear, it can be a time of reflection and preparation. And yet, sometimes, the real gift of summer is realignment.

Is there an area of your life that feels unfinished or unclear? In my kitchen redo, one of my biggest delays was due to my indecision over an accent wall. It’s small in size. But because the wall is a focal point, it took months for me to make a choice.

Then, something else happened. I sensed God helping me to sort through other areas of my life to bring who He is into focus. As the Sun in every dark or indecisive moment, He gives grace. His grip on our lives is felt through our faith in Christ. And yet, He also gives glory. It’s His shine on or through our lives to reveal who He is. Thankfully, He gives clarity, too. Hence, I finally made a choice. My accent wall is done. (See the pictures below.)

I realize many of life’s decisions have a much greater impact than a paint color or a picture. And yet, “The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.”  We find His instructions in Scripture. But even as we seek to live in His truth, we may discover there is tension in our hearts.

As we seek to realign with Him this summer, here are a few suggestions. Consider doing these activities with a friend or group. Then, spend time discussing your responses.

Learn something new. When we live with open hands and an open heart, it keeps us open to what’s possible with God. In a practical sense, we see this in our willingness to visit a new place, try new food, or meet a new group of people. But in a spiritual sense, it happens when we are willing to see our circumstances through the lens of who God is and what He does.

List what feels difficult in this season. Tell God about it in prayer. Receive His comfort and seek His guidance. How does knowing God as your warmth and light (your sun) or knowing Him as your warrior (your shield) empower you? 

Lean into God’s realignment. What do you sense Him restoring or changing in your life to put you in a previous or different position? Recognize your hesitation and choose to rely on His goodness.

Yes, friend, this summer can be the summer for us to enjoy the gift of realignment. Knowing God gives grace and glory can give us all the peace and power we need. It happens as we learn to trust His choices.

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