I observe – – –
The most effective device the devil uses to keep us from putting our problems, our troubles, in perspective is this:
Continuously (over and over and over again) plunging us into the next ‘job’ that we M U S T do immediately—so we can’t/don’t deal with the big issue that troubles us ongoing.
Combined with this:
Relentlessly, repeatedly making us so weary that we HAVE TO sleep (crash) !
So very tired that we can’t even work, let alone figure out why we can’t get enough done.
We may have some friends who remind us of a Bible verse on a sincere, warm fuzzy poster that should fix us (at least for now)—so they can feel they’ve done their part and move on without our burden on them.
Where is the Christian friend that actually knows how to “bear each other’s burdens, AND BY DOING THAT FULFILLS THE LAW OF JESUS.” ?
And that is what makes a difference, more than the correct theological answer.
Question:
++ Who do we know that deals with the bottom line, the real hard question, the big WHY ?, the WHY ME ?, the WHY THIS AGAIN ?, the WHY OTHERS MOVE AHEAD, AND I’M WAYLAID, BLINDSIDED BY ONE MORE SURPRISE AFTER ANOTHER ?
Question:
++ Who do we know that sees this, but offers nothing, except to communicate or imply, “What’s wrong with you ?”
Question:
++ The bottom line question is, “Are there any real answers, anywhere ?”
YES, THERE ARE ANSWERS.
But–
— not in trying harder.
— not in more of what isn’t working
— not in advice from others
— not in my own new ideas
— not in better tools, techniques
— not in better doctors
— not in copying others
— not in blaming others
— not in blaming myself
— not in excuses
— not in some ‘power’ of thinking
The Bible says, “. . . lest satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.”
Satanic devices such as:
XX– “I can’t ‘get anything done’ on the list I felt so positive about before THIS happened !”
Satanic devices such as:
XX– “I can’t afford to stop and think about it—I can’t afford to waste the time, if it doesn’t fix the problem now, so I can move on.”
Satanic devices such as:
XX– “I can’t slow down, with the backlog hanging over me.”
Real answers – – – available ? or not ?
Hmmm !
Stop ?
STOP !
S T O P ! ! !
You say you can’t afford to stop ?
You say you can’t——except when “something happens”——and you do stop ?
OH !—Here’s another thought, to pile it on:
Is it the same as this:
XX- “I can’t afford to stop working on Sunday (all day Sunday, every Sunday) when I’m so behind already.”
Like this:
XX- “I can’t afford to tithe—when I’m struggling financially already.”
XX- “Truth is, I’m having a hard time finishing reading this article, but a friend asked me to read it.”
Somewhere the Bible says,
“There’s nothing new under the sun.”
Got that right ! (As though I can say)
The Bible (only the Bible) can give us the perspective we need.
God does not change.
6000 years of history—He’s the same.
The Bible doesn’t change.
Can God’s instruction help is with
WHY ?
WHY ?
WHY ?
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart . . .”
- – – Should I trust Him with everything ?
OR - – – Should I take care of some things that He might not take care of ?
(Like my schedule)
(Like my energy)
(Like my money)
(Like my 7-day work week)
“. . . and do not lean on your own understanding . . .”
- – – Should I ask Him how to do everything ?
OR - – – Should I figure out some things myself, as in, He expects me to use my brain ?
“. . . In all your ways acknowledge Him . . .”
- – – Should I tell God I recognize Him in every detail, over and over and over and over ?
OR - – – Should I apologize or excuse myself for getting weary of praying so much ?
“. . . and He will direct your paths.”
- – – Should I assume, should I count on God for literally running every single last detail of my life, every day ?
OR - – – Should I notice other successful people around me who don’t take God and Prayer and Bible and Family Time and The Lord’s Day so seriously ?
And, my friends, that’s just one Bible verse—MORE WHERE THAT COMES FROM !
“Be still ! ! ! And know that I AM God.”
Be Still = STOP
1 – STOP
Every morning, first thing, with God.
(How much time does that take ?—a few minutes.)
2 – STOP
Many times every day, with God.
(How much time does that take ?—a few seconds.)
3 – STOP
Every day, with your family, with God.
(How much time does that take ?—a few minutes, to half hour.)
4 – STOP
Every week, for a whole day, alone and with your family, with God, to rest.
(How much time does that take ?—14% of your life—“six days work, one day rest, for our benefit”—“Did God really say?”—He said so.)
1-STOP (includes your Bible)
2-STOP (includes memory Bible verses)
3-STOP (includes interaction and Bible)
4-STOP (includes learning, studying, memorizing Bible verses, everyone saying/reading the Bible aloud)
When you do all this, you can’t help but pray and sing, and more (like help someone who needs help, like tell someone who needs Jesus how you know Him)
Can you do this secretly, without saying something at home, at work, at . . .?
N O !