Parched and Weary

"She was tired. She was weary. She was worried. She didn’t need a seasonal patriot. She needed a gracious Christian... This world needs humility, grace and forgiveness. It doesn’t need more casual Christians dying on their temporal hills. It needs more Jesus-followers living out the Gospel. Yes, be a patriot. But don’t let your personal beliefs drown out your faith and witness. All we are enduring will one day fade away, but the Word of the Lord will endure forever." ~Levi Smith ❤

Amen to that.

As Christians, we all have a mutual enemy whose clearly defined goal is to kill, steal, and destroy every good thing God is building. He works relentlessly and viciously to accuse, shame, and exhaust us so that he can divide and conquer. And the current state of the world has made his job a bit easier. Many are hurting and struggling with extra stress, difficult emotions, political tensions, and unforeseen losses. Most people are not at their very best, and the enemy stands ready to take advantage of our pain and devour us. But as Paul said, we are not unaware of his schemes. 

"Yes, for your sake and with Christ as my witness, I have forgiven whatever needed to be forgiven, so that we may not be taken advantage of by Satan. For we are not ignorant of his schemes." ~2 Cor. 2:10-11

In challenging seasons like this, humility and forgiveness go a long way. Kindness and patience are extra powerful, and the light of the gospel shines even brighter than usual. At the very same time, it's easier than ever to avoid church gatherings, and there is an increased temptation to give in to resignation, fear, anger, and numbness or to feel alone and misunderstood and wallow in self-pity. Emotionally and spiritually, things are heightened on both sides of the spectrum. So this is a reminder that our enemy is on the prowl, and we would do well to pay attention and stay on guard!

While there are many things I am grateful for, the past week has been difficult. I am praying for God to be close and for more fruit of the Spirit in my life and my relationships.

• More LOVE
• More JOY
• More PEACE
• More PATIENCE
• More KINDNESS
• More GOODNESS
• More FAITHFULNESS
• More GENTLENESS
• More SELF-CONTROL

We all desire these things, and spending more time in the presence of God naturally produces them in us! He strengthens us and gives us wisdom, discernment, and security. Spending time on Facebook and Disney+ can bring us joy, but it's far less likely to have a lasting positive effect on our character, relationships, and future. This year has been rough, and the earth really does feel "parched and weary" right now. Yesterday, today, and forever, we need to pursue and seek first what only God can provide! ❤

"My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?"
~Psalm 42:2

"O God, You are my God; I earnestly search for You. My soul thirsts for You; my whole being longs for You in this parched and weary land where there is no water... I stay close to You; Your right hand upholds me."
~Psalm 63:1,8