I am too busy with all I need to do: We’re all busy. And I do mean everyone. Kids, no kids, public job, stay at home job, octogenarian, 20-something person, single, married. I don’t know many people who don’t have daily demands and pressing issues. The evil one prefers it when we’re “too busy” for God. Our minds tell us that we have too much to do to read our Bibles, attend worship services, serve others, and contribute our time and talents to our local congregation. If we’re too busy for God, then we aren’t growing and maturing in His love. We aren’t being the light to a lost and dying world.
In a sermon a few years back, my husband gave a good illustration. He said we should look inward and imagine ourselves with a dimmer switch. What setting would our light be on? Dim? Just barely enough light to navigate in the room? You know there’s a light burning in the dark somewhere, but it’s hard to see! Medium-bright. Enough to get by, but doing half of what we’re capable of. Mediocre output. Or would our setting be on bright? Lighting up the spaces we’re in – the places we go – the people we associate ourselves with. If our lights do not shine, it’s not because we don’t have access to the Power! It’s our responsibility to stay connected. Matthew 5:14-15 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Examine your prayer life. Are you finding you say a 5- second “thank you for the food,” before you dig in? Are those diminutive prayers what make up the majority of your prayer life? Because let’s face it, nobody knows how busy you really are! At least you pray before your eat, right?! (That is, when you aren’t too busy to remember.) And no, I’m not suggesting that lengthy prayers are more effective prayers, or that we should pray for 30 minutes before we eat our meals. However, Christians know that prayer is a key element in staying committed to our heavenly Father. Do not allow yourself to be too busy to talk with Jesus. If we went a day without talking with our spouse, we would naturally miss them. If we went 4 or 5 days without connecting with our spouse, wouldn’t we be longing for their presence? To talk with them, hear their voice, be in their midst? This is no different than our heavenly Father…if you’re too busy to miss HIM, I am doubtful you will lead a fulfilling, victorious Christian life. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven - Mathew 5:16.
I am Exhausted! There’s an important person living in your house. If you’re a Christian, that person is Christ Jesus. You’re over worked, underappreciated, under-slept, and overly committed. But to who? And for what? Beware! In addition to physical and mental fatigue, exhaustion can lead to spiritual weakness. We’re so accustomed to God being there, we may let Him take a back burner position in our homes. Very dangerous! While it is true, that He is always there for us, we should not take this aspect of omnipotence for granted. We can easily justify within ourselves what we do and don’t do. If I had a dollar every time I heard the saying, “Well, the Lord knows my heart,” I could retire today. No sarcasm here, I’ve heard it A LOT over the years. He sure does know our heart. And HE knows our priorities. Our motives. Our excuses.
Yesterday, I was sharing a painful experience with my husband. A friend had truly hurt my feelings. A good ole’ preverbal punch to the gut! Keep in mind, I’m no emotional wimp. I can take a bruise with the best of ‘em. In my confusion by it all, he pointed out that I was physically tired and hadn’t yet completed my Bible study for the day. His point was that after spending time in God’s Word, we ALWAYS feel better; always encouraged. He was right. My exhaustion exacerbated the pain. And it’s my responsibility not to be so exhausted that I don’t go about the business of forgiving. We just can’t excuse our actions because we’re too weary – too tired to do what’s right!
You’ve seen a toddler fall asleep on the potty, while a parent was trying to potty train them? You’ve seen the child who will “pass out” upside down on a chair or ottoman because they’re just so “tuckered out” they couldn’t keep their eyes open a second longer. Babies and toddlers get exhausted too! We know if these little tots get exhausted, then adults do as well. It’s good to be reminded, that just as kids need their rest and sleep, so the Christian needs rest in Him. Galatians, chapter 6, tells us not to be somnolent. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Gal 6:9)
I encourage you to examine yourself – not your neighbor – and determine what may be hindering your relationship with Jesus. His is the most important!
Look UP my friends!
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