Catch 22

I have not had as much time in the last few days in the way of personal, 1:1 devotions with the Lord. I always find that if I have less time with him, his power is decreased in my life and the temptations and trials of life are more difficult. In effect, it is as though my spirit were running low on batteries. I might be still running technically but it is with the dregs of strength and sheer will power. In those times I find that I try to live on the good habits I learned from the Lord while seeking his face during times when I have been seeking him more. That can carry me through, certainly the hard way, until I can get alone with the Lord. Another problem is that when I don't "seek the Lord" I find my desire to seek him is reduced as well- this is kind of a "catch 22". Then, when I do want to seek the Lord, I have to force myself, by faith, to seek him even though I don't feel like it. By the end of the prayer/Bible time I am always glad I did!

If you are not a Christian it will not make sense but we really fellowship with the Lord. We really sense his presence and his love. He really guides us in our lives in very real and remarkable ways. In addition, he gives us the power, grace, and help to really live what we call the "overcoming life". But if we let ourselves get too busy, too stressed, too whatever to spend time with the Lord then we grow quite cold. Ever wonder why some of the Christians in your life seem to be angry, stressed, or miserable? It is because they are allowing other things to get in the way of their devotion to the Lord. Devotion to him includes spending time with him as well as choosing the Lord over and above other things in this world. This also includes plugging into the Lord as far as obeying him. If they claim to be followers of Jesus Christ but they spend every day criticizing things or worrying about things for example- that is not the way to "plug in" to God and walk in his ability and help.

So, pray for me, I'm going to spend time with the Lord to draw near to him and get charged up!