Are you in a funk right now? Do you feel like you are being swallowed by circumstances or life’s to-do list?
I know exactly how you feel. I’m in it right now. I’m not writing to you because I’m out of the funk; I’m writing because I’m still in it. I realized that I have been focusing very hard on my circumstances. I have been looking through a telescope at far away objects.I have scrutinized over them and I forgot to pull the telescope away from my one open eye, and step back with both eyes open to see the bigger picture before
me.
Life is not just about our busyness or problems. But sometimes, it sure feels that way.
I’m here in a new land, with different cultures, stores, food, driving styles and people. I’ve been here a short time and I feel my roots are struggling to grow deep faster, but what is needed is time and time spent with Jesus. Not only have I been looking at all the problems and changes around me, but I have neglected my alone time with God. It just slipped out from my days. I’m not sure how it happened, but I can tell you that things have been on a slippery slope ever since.
Has this ever happened to you? You are spending time reading your Bible and praying, maybe in the mornings or the nights, and then you forget and before you know it, days and weeks have passed and you feel so dry?
Time with Jesus is key. It is crucial to a good life. I need Him. Don’t you?
Most people know the story of Jesus feeding the multitudes with the boy’s loaves and fish. But before that event, something else happened. The apostles had found out that John the Baptist (Jesus’ cousin) had been beheaded by King Herod and they took his body and put it in a tomb. Filled with grief and troubles, I’m sure, they went to Jesus to tell him everything – about John, about their travels, and about their ministry work.
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. (Mark 6:30-32)
They must have spilled their hearts out to Him. Jesus, feeling their grief and the weight of all that they had dealt with, told them to come away with him and rest. How lovely.
“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
Today, I drew on a piece of paper a circle that enclosed all of my problems, concerns and weights. Then I drew a pitcher above all the problems, that poured out water covering all of the issues. The water is Jesus and His effect on my life and circumstances. It’s time to fill the pitcher. It’s time to spend time with Jesus and fill it up.
Are you dealing with the same thing right now? Do you feel dry or just kind of rotten and you can’t put your finger on it?
Will you join me this week in stealing away moments to quiet down and sit with God? 10 min, 15 min or more—whatever you choose.
Because here is the truth. I can’t live without Him. I can’t live without God. And when I forget to go away and rest with Him, things go downhill. He is what makes life good. I don’t know how He does it, but He moves behind the scenes to benefit us, to love on us, to protect us, cherish us and dance and sing over us. Sing over us Lord. Fill us up with your presence.
Here are some ideas to get us rolling:
– Read a Psalm (pick a number between 1 and 150, click here and read it)
– Put on a worship or praise playlist (especially when you are doing the thing you have been avoiding!)
– Listen to a Podcast (I get a lot out of Joseph Prince’s short podcasts) Click Here
– Sit and tell God all of your issues. List them out and then ask Him for help. Ask Him to help you see beauty beyond those things.
So what works for you? What tips or tricks can you share? What things do you do that you can see a noticeable difference to your day? Please share it here in the comments below so that we can all benefit 🙂
Prayer: Lord, you are God above all my problems. Your majesty supersedes every issue I face. You are God and I am your beloved. You choose me. You can comfort me through any storm. Your hand is on me and I ask you to help me see past all the issues of life and help me to simply delight in who you are—In your love for me and your care for me. I am not alone, for you are a constant help in time of trouble. I release to you the weight of the world and I choose to come to a quiet place with you and to stop and listen to your heartbeat—to stop and rest. I believe in that solitary place, that you will heal my heart and pour out provision in all places in my life. You are a God unlike any other. You are worthy of my praise. In the stillness, I praise you. Thank you for all you have done for me and given to me. For all the times, I have not seen you, but yet you were there. Thank you for your presence in my daily life. I ask for energy and strength and that extra boost to bless all that I set my hands to do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
