Good Morning friends!
Yesterday I was hit with a sudden revelation that I just had to share.
I'm reading a wonderful book right now, The Easy Burden of Pleasing God, and it is changing my life. I have really been struggling (especially lately) with the feeling that I am not good enough, doing enough, being enough. I have been working and praying for God to change my heart so that I will be a harder worker, less of a procrastinator, a more eager volunteer, and in general, to be a better Christian.
But here's the problem with this: I was praying for all of these things for myself. I wasn't taking into account what God had to say about this situation at all, but rather thinking about how my life could be different if I were better.
Ultimately I wanted to be that person you look at and think, "Wow, she's a great Christian! She's got it all together!" But this is such a selfish thought to have! What does it matter to me what other people think of me? I should be concerned with one opinion only, that of my Creator. I don't pretend to know God's thoughts, but somehow I don't think what he wants for my life is for others to think I'm a great Christian.
I have thought this very thought about many friends in my church family whom I fiercely admire, but they all would vehemently argue with me. No human being on this Earth has ever had it all together. Everyone has their own battles and struggles they deal with on a daily basis. Isn't that in itself such a freeing feeling, to know that you don't have to, nor will you ever be perfect?
There's also the fact that, as humans, nothing is ever enough. I could be a multi-billionaire and still need more money. When will I ever be enough for myself? The sad answer is never. I will always think that I can be better. But the wonderful thing about knowing and loving a God who gives you life is that you are always and forever enough for Him.
Making our way out of that rant and back to the book, The Easy Burden is teaching me how to stop working and worrying about everything in life and to just be with God. Have you ever sat down in silence, maybe reading your bible or just praying, for no other reason but to draw close to Him? It's such a freeing and joyful thing, because that's all He wants, is to be close with you! Isn't that a wonderful thought?
Stop what you're doing, find a comfy spot to sit down and spend some time dwelling in God's presence. Maybe switch up your schedule a little bit. Take 30 minutes in between studying to read your bible. I can promise you will walk away from quality time with Abba more alive, energetic and joyful that you could ever imagine.
Life is a glorious and holy thing, and He wants you to enjoy it, not stress your way through it. You're not Superman, He is! Find peace and know that He has everything under control.
Love and hugs,
Jordan
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." Mark 6:31 NIV
P.S. In just a few days I'll be vacationing with the parents at Lake Geneva, and then heading through St. Louis on my way back to school, so hopefully I'll be posting my first (mini) travel blog soon!
