H.A.L.T.

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

 H.A.L.T. 

(Deu 25:18) how he met you on the way and attacked your rear ranks, all the stragglers at your rear, when you were tired and weary; and he did not fear God. 

I want to address something that is so practical in nature it might not even seem spiritual at all.  And that is H.A.L.T.  Never make a decision if you are Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired.    

Decisions are important.  And we can really exercise poor judgment when our body and emotional needs are at their height.  When Israel was coming out of Egypt the Amalekites attacked their rear ranks where the tired and weary were lagging behind.  They had no strength to fight against this raiding band and succumbed to their advancements.  God said they were not to forget this attack and that they were to blot out their remembrance from under heaven.  We too can blot out many spiritual attacks if we take care of some practical needs in our lives.

HUNGRY – How awful we can feel when we are just plain hungry.  Our “fangs” can come out and we can be irritable and downright ornery until we eat something.  (Mat 15:32 )…“I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.”

ANGRY – When we are mad our emotions get the best of us and we can do something we will later regret.  It’s always best to settle down before we pick up that phone and chew somebody out.  (Eph 4:26) “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath.  (Neh 5:7)  After serious thought, I rebuked the nobles and rulers… 

LONELY – We all have a need to be accepted and to fit in.  When we feel isolated in life it can drive us to make unhealthy choices to meet those deep emotional needs.  The classic case is the lonely woman will marry not the best for her because she is so tired of being by herself in life. (Pro 2:11) Discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you.   

TIRED – How dark and dismal the world can seem when you are just plain tired.  Ant hills can seem like mountains and maybe all you need is a good night’s rest.  One time a friend told me, “Louie, one of the most spiritual things you can do is sleep!”  How the colors seem brighter and the burden’s lighter after a time of rest and refreshment!  (Mark 6:31) And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. 

Remember something so practical but yet so spiritual:  Before you make a decision H.A.L.T!  Stop and take of your practical needs.  It is more spiritual than you think.  Time for a granola bar!   

Louie