Most people aren't good at keeping New Year's resolutions. Most resolutions treat the symptoms and not the root of the problem. We need Christ to supernaturally empower us to make necessary changes - commit to following Him, becoming more like Him, in order to "fix" our symptoms. When we start focusing our efforts on being nearer to Him, being more like Him, desiring to be in the center of His will - that is when the symptoms are seen through the lens of Christ and take proper perspective.
Please understand that I am not suggesting that God is a "fix-it", "heal it" or a "bless it on demand" kind of God - it just may be that we see things differently after viewing our problems through His point of view.
I have been in kind of a spiritual "slump" lately - and have been frustrated with it. Many things our pastor said yesterday struck a chord with me, but nothing more than his quote of Beth Moore - something like "resolve to allow nothing to come between us and Christ" - nothing.
So, this was how my prayer went this morning while I was walking:
Lord, that is what I desire. NOTHING between you and me. You first, John second, kids third, and me last.
Yes, me last. I have found that selfishness has crept in during this spiritual slump along with its good friends grouchiness, grumpiness, quick temper, just plain old ugliness. I don't want any of those - I want the fruit of the Spirit:
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
That's what I want in 2009 - resolve. RESOLVE!
1. Praying - asking God to pour out His Spirit, asking Him for the desire to read and pray more, asking Him to reveal His Word to me
2. Disciplining myself to read, even if I don't "feel" like it. I am currently reading through the Bible in "historical" order - following a plan that puts Scripture in order as to when the events happened.
3. Joining the next women's Bible study at church - I skipped the last one because it was a study I have done previously. I just really need somewhere to "go deep" about spiritual things - I had a core group of wonderful ladies in PA and have not yet found that group here. This Bible study will help.
So, there you have it - thanks for your prayers!
Surely sounds like you're on the right track and heading the right direction.
ReplyDeleteSusan
Oh Shirley! How you encourage me and challenge me! Thank you for your words, or for relaying others words that spoke to you. I needed that! Andrea B.
ReplyDeleteHi Shirley,
ReplyDeleteI do so no what you mean. I need to do this also.
Sounds like you are reading my mind, your thoughts spoke straight to my heart... you summarized my 2009 very well.... I'm doing the same thing you seemed to have said it much better than I could have. Thanks for your words and thoughts. Keep sharing with me.
ReplyDeleteShirley - This was a good post! I think we can all relate to it. I was just scouring to find my notes from our Sunday service, but I must have tossed them. Anyway....about the not feeling like reading or praying....it's interesting that you should say that. Pastor Stan was saying on Sunday that when we feel like that, it's usually the best time to read and pray. I am so guilty of this too. I am trying to make it a priority to read earlier in the morning and not get going on something where I'll put it off. My day always seems to go smoother if I put God first.
ReplyDeleteI haven't answered your emails, but will do so later....
hi-d
oh yes...a great start to the new and some what interesting new year...
ReplyDelete~simply~