If you follow this blog regularly, you know that Friday is my rest day for the week. No phone, no computer, no work. It’s an amazing way to refresh myself mentally, physically and spiritually every week. I love it.
And sometimes it’s really hard. I think it’s good to be honest about the difficulties of our spiritual journey as well. Yesterday was one of those hard days. Everything in me wanted to work. I kept thinking about how much I had to do this week. My mind kept going to talks that still aren’t quite ready, ministry demands, email that’s a little out of control, meetings, etc… I found myself wanting to cheat on rest. I found myself frustrated. I found myself reeling from the effects of some difficult conversations this past week. If I’m honest, I wasn’t even sure I was really connecting with God.
Inspiring, huh?
I share all of that for two reasons:
1. My life and yours really aren’t all that different. I think sometimes we fall into that trap of thinking pastor/speaker types are made of different material and don’t face the same struggles as everyone else. Not true. I’m right there in the battle with you guys.
2. I didn’t cheat. I stuck it out and forced myself to spend the day reading, praying, going to Great Falls and resting. I wasn’t sure it accomplished anything yesterday but today I feel great – physically and spiritually.
So, find some time to rest this weekend. Even if it feels like a waste of time, I promise it’s not.
A great word John. Thanks for your honesty and character. Were the rapids at great Falls very roaring yesterday? I Love to paint the scene there. Especially the rocks. I love being able to hear the sounds of the water rapids in my ears for the next few days. I love to see those large birds flying over head without a care in the world. I like to pretend I am them for the day and it helps me to keep resting. Peace to you.-k
I’m sorry you had a hard time resting on Friday. I often find that it is hard for myself to keep my mind centered entirely on God — especially when I’m so wrapped up in judging and evaluating others spiritual walks with Christ, while in the meantime trying to hold together my own. Although, I know it is your job as a pastor and a good Christian, to uphold the laws God instructs us with in 2 Timothy to “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” Yet, I don’t believe it is fair to judge someone without all the facts. I feel often that many “judging” Christians are quick to assume that because they know what the bible says about a law, they also know the inner workings of a person’s heart. Many times people judge without knowing the entire situation, believed sin, rushed in order to make sure they are following out God’s orders. Yet Jeremiah 5:1 says, “Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it.” Therefore God tells us if we come to a belief about someone that is not a proven truth, or something that He has clarified in His word, it is our job as a loving Christian to leave the judgement to the Lord. I hope this helps next time you feel a struggle connecting with Christ.