You know you’ve gone off the deep end when you hear yourself talking and even YOU think you’re a jerk!
I had just come off of a very busy weekend, and due to poor planning on my part, I didn’t allow myself any down time to recoup. I just continued that fast pace for the next three days.
I was digging at the bottom of the well for the energy to enjoy the people outside of my home, but when it came to the doors being closed I had zero tolerance for the ones I love!
I knew it was because I’d poured every last drop of Jesus out of me, and all that was left was nasty ol’ me! I was in desperate need of some quiet time. I needed less of me and more of Him! I was in need of a fill up!
And it’s just like God to hit me between the eyes about this very issue in Chapter 10 of our study Alone In Marriage by Susie Larson.
Heaven knows about you. Hell knows about you. When you open your mouth you set in motion a work that will either reinforce your bondage or contribute to your deliverance. [p.177]
BAM! Beth, who ya working for this week? Awe SNAP! I immediately cleared the rest of my calendar, woke up earlier than normal, and set aside time for God. I wasn’t going to work for Hell a moment longer!
Part of a favorite songs says:
Fill me to overflow, by your power and mercy Lord, make me a light that shines your glory, Lord.
I needed to be filled with Jesus. I needed to be refreshed, recharged, and renewed. I didn’t like who I was without Him, and I was hurting the ones I love the most.
The Word of God is fuel to our mind, body, and spirit. It transforms us from the inside out
- It renews our minds and we begin to think like him. When we think like Him we will speak like Him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2
- It refreshes our spirits so we can endure longer. When we can endure we persevere through trying times with His grace and His strength. I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. Jeremiah 31:25
- It recharges our bodies! The word of God is the bread of life! It gives us the energy to conquer spiritual mountains and life’s challenges with boldness! When someone stumbled, you lifted him up with your words. When knees were weak, you gave them strength. Job 4:4
Immediately following some good one-on-one time with God my tone changed, my tolerance increased, and my mind cleared! I was being filled up to overflowing. Now, I could reset the atmosphere of my home again. (Starting with repenting to the family.)
In everything we do, whether church related or not, God wants us to do it out of the overflow of a relationship with Him.
Lysa TerKerst says in her book Unglued “Feelings are indicators not dictators.”
If you are feeling spent, uninspired, cranky or all the above those are indicators that your Jesus tank is way low!
Cut out some time, don’t worry God knows your schedule, and allow Him to fill you up.
Here are three ways to make good use of your time:
- In The Car: Each week write a scripture on a sticky note and place it on your car dash. You can meditate on the word while in the car.
- At Work: Keep worship music playing softly on your computer (if allowed) to create an atmosphere of His presence at work.
- At Home: Get the Bible on CD and listen while you clean and run errands.
All three are interchangeable. These are practical steps if your busy life doesn’t afford you 30 – 45 minutes of being still before the Lord. Use them in whatever way works best for your schedule.
Lastly, I would encourage you to ask God to show you the perfect time for you to carve out a good 30 minutes once a week. There is nothing more refreshing to the mind, body, and spirit than time spent with Jesus!
NOW YOUR TURN: What are ways you connect with God when your life is busy?
Workin’ for Heaven this week,
