Thursday, February 10, 2011
longings
So today I have been experiencing an extreme longing for "the things of this world". I've been struggling with it all day because the last thing I want to be is someone who doesn't live what I know is true and even claim to believe. I made a list of the things I found myself "daydreaming" about...eating food I didn't make...shopping...having cute clothes/hair...vacation...movies...a clean/cozy house...a massage...watching The Office. To be honest I am embarrassed to admit this. I firmly believe that as Christians we have to resist finding our "happiness" and comfort in these kinds of things. I think it goes without saying that these things themselves are not evil but it is when we chase them for our filling and delight that they are a major problem. Just think of what this world values and seeks - we are so far off from the Truth. So it bothers me that I would even consider longing for these things when I KNOW and have experienced that Jesus is the only One who fills and the only One worth longing for. So I went to Him out of obedience. I didn't feel like it. I felt like eating 3 cookies and heading to the mall. But guess what I read...God loves me so much (and you too I hope you know!)...I read 1 Samuel 15:22, "What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Obedience is far better than sacrifice. Listening to him is much better than offering the fat of rams." So we can choose obedience even when we don't feel like it. God likes obedience a lot. And He is the Almighty Creator and he can change my heart if I ask him. I surely don't want to let Satan win this battle. So take a step back and even make a list - what am I longing for? Where am I finding my comfort? And PUT YOUR ARMOR ON!!! "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and Grace."
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Jaymi,
ReplyDeleteI love this post. I feel the same thing so often and have to continually pull back and re-evaluate what is really right. As I try to teach my boys the same thing sometimes I have to laugh because the more I feel the 'tug' to be obedient to Christ, the more I find myself admonishing my boys to 'CHOOSE what is right, CHOOSE to obey and to CHOSE a good attitude.' Little do those little boys know that mommy is still learning the same thing! all the time! Thanks for a great reminder to seek what is Truth and not of this world! :)
-Melanie Samuelson
Thanks for reminding me to keep my eyes on Jesus. Seems like it would be such a given considering how GREAT He is. But this world has so much distraction to offer us. I too, want to live a life of obedience even in the "little things". If we can win our small battles against the flesh we will be that much closer to finishing the good fight.
ReplyDeleteThank you friend. I miss you and love your faithfulness to God.
Heather Olson
Love you so friend
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