Good Sunday morning! The fog outside is thick here this morning, almost to the windows of the house! All the familiar things are cloaked in a mysterious mist that prevents clear sight.
Soon, though, the sun will come out and the fog will dissipate. Clear vision will return.
We all experience this from time to time — yes, in reality, but also metaphorically. There are times when circumstances, problems, issues, whatever, fog up our view on life. They crowd in and skew our view of who we are, what we’re here for, and where God is.
If you’re in that place today, feeling and seeing the fog closing in, hear me: THERE IS HOPE! You may feel like there is none, that no one knows, no one could understand, and no one cares. You think God doesn’t care and has left you for greener pastures.
The TRUTH is, Someone DOES care. He KNOWS all about where you are and what’s happening. He has NOT left you. Look up my friend. Lift your faith eyes from the problem and look for the Father. He hasn’t left you, but He’s not going to intrude on you, either.
Sunday is a most excellent day to go to the building where the Church meets. Slip in and sit at the back if you must. But go. As you head there, ask Holy Spirit to show you what you need to know/feel/hear, then listen. Listen deeply.
Allow Him to minister to your wounded heart and hear His.
If you’re part of the Church, watch for these who come through the doors looking for hope. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you in how to help them — it may be a cup of coffee or simply a smile. It may be sitting with them or it may be directions to the restroom. Hope is delivered in many different ways.
Oh! And realize that at times, the one walking through the doors feeling hopeless is your pastor. Make it a habit to encourage and uplift your pastor. If you see that cloud of hopelessness hanging near, stop that pastor and pray right there. Doesn’t have to be loud, just a quiet conversation between you, the pastor, and God.
Sometimes, all it takes is noticing. We can all do that.
Pastor,
You are doing so much. When is the last time you said no to an ask? When is the last time you honored the boundaries you’ve set up for yourself? Do you need to revisit those? That’s not failure, but it is crucial you keep those fences built up and strong.
Think about it:
Not everyone who wanted instant access to Jesus got it.
Not everyone who wants access to you should get it. There’s nothing wrong or unloving about that. N-O-T-H-I-N-G.
You don’t give everyone access to your home all the time, do you? Or to your family?
Your boundaries will be that which protects not only you, but also your family. They will give you opportunities to rest. They will keep you from burnout. BUT ONLY if you enact them and honor them.
As you speak today, know that there are people praying for you, lifting you to the Lord for soul, mind, and body rest. Speak today with bold confidence in the One who gave you the message, knowing that He is speaking through you. Deliver the message He has given and allow the Spirit to do His work.
Then rest. Whether it’s on a trail, in a recliner, on the lake, or games with the kids, rest. Let go all the worries and expectations of others and rest.
Happy Sunday!
