Algae

We had been out of town for a few days and came back to a swimming pool that had been ambushed by algae. My husband has been the pool keeper for years and has done a great job but it was time to call in a professional who knew the tricks of this swimming pool trade. We needed someone who had the tools to fight this persistent and ever growing slimy predator. When Mike, the pool guy, came out late that afternoon I met him in the back yard and said this is a big job. He responded, no problem I have seen much worse and we will get it under control in just a couple of days.



He said the three main criteria to keeping a pool pristine are filtration, circulation and chlorination. And he went to work, beginning by brushing the walls, making a chlorine paste that would be able to penetrate the pores of the plaster and as he called it bombed it with chemicals. Then he turned on the pump for circulation and said I will be back tomorrow to check on progress. It was like crazy magic the next day. The pool was almost clear, just a little cloudy still but by days end it was once again was a peaceful, beautiful sight of crystal blue serenity.



Three things he said to maintain clean pool clarity:

1) Filtration

2) Circulation

3) Chlorination



Filtration, a process whereas the unwanted stuff has to go through a filter and does not have a chance to contaminate what is good. Isn't that what we are to do with the yuck stuff that tries to invade our peace and our contentment? Just filter it out. But if our life filter does not lie in the professional hands of our loving God, and we try on our own to work with only we we have in our tiny arsenal of man sized trinkets, we might band-aid an issue but under the surface it continues to maintain a grip. And it will gain momentum once again...and it ends up being a continuous cycle of calamity. We end up not being able to handle the burden of keeping up with all that is being thrown at us. Soon that debris begins attaching itself to our framework and contaminates our emotions, our behavior, our thoughts, our deeds. When we work alone without God's help we are working with inadequate provisions and tools to accomplish the goals of good filter.



Circulation, a process that keeps things moving in a constant, continuous manner so that things do not become stagnant and stale. The image came to me when I thought about this of Christ circulating through our minds and bodies non stop, always on watch, always on guard protecting us from free agent pests trying to sabotage our well being. If we allowed Christ the rights to be in constant motion within our thoughts and our responses and emotions, then he would help us to keep on moving past the stuff that is holding us down and interfering with his ultimate joy for us. It is the circulation of prayer, triggered by our faithfulness and trust that is the component needed to keep our hearts and minds moving in the right direction. That circulation acts as a constant reminder that God's word is truthful and his grace sufficient to help us through and over all obstacles. Circulation is continuous movement. Christ is continually on the move in our lives.



Chlorination - a process that provides an agent that is strong enough to combat the aggressive slim that actively builds upon the walls and floors of water. It is a power punched additive that controls the feeding ground for algae, and puts up a guard to keep it from taking root and building a home. I know in my life I have allowed unwanted situations and relationships to taint and contaminate that which is good. I need the strong power packed agent of the Holy Spirit to stand guard on my heart and my mind and my thoughts. For the Holy Spirit has the ability to get into the very pores of my being and clean out the debris filled crevices that have tried to hide. The places where I have allowed old and past unsettled experiences to sit unnoticed and uncleaned. It is the pasted solution of God's purity and cleanliness that enables me to to get past the past (in forgiveness) and start out with a clean slate.



We do need God's filter through all of life's journeys, to help us get rid of the rubbish that comes floating our way.

We do need to constantly have prayers circulating through us and around us and for us, just as we need to circulate prayers for others in the same way.

We do need the constant agent of the Holy Spirit to come along side of us and within us to help us clean up our acts.

Hebrews 10:22
let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

For when these three criteria are sought and advanced into our everyday lives, they work together to strengthen our ability and power to maintain a healthy mindset, and a uplifted attitude focused on God's goodness, and on our dependence on Him.

Dear Lord, you know where the holes in our filers lie. You know when we have cut off positive circulation, and you know when we are in desperate need of a cleaning agent that can rid us of painful remembrances, unhealthy habits, and an unproductive mindset. May we seek your help at all times and not just in times when things get so bad that we have no other option. Help us to learn and remember to seek your ways and be constantly surrounded by your protective grace of goodness. Amen


Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!