Where God's Word Meets Our Mess
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to criticize men and women in the Bible, especially when their sins are evident? I mean, how could Jonah run away from God? How could Rebekah play favoritism with her sons and deceive her husband? How could David commit adultery and murder Uriah? But we forget that we, too, can quickly fall into sin.
Let’s just say that the dog days of summer have begun…and it’s only June 11th. I’m definitely happy to be done with school. I’m excited for the sunshine, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying some free time. I’m excited to visit the beach, watch Hallmark movies, and cook homemade meals. But even with all the activities ahead, I know I’ll still experience feelings of boredom.
During the sermon at church, I think about where we’re going to eat lunch after the service. As I read my Bible, I worry about my new job that’s starting soon. When I sing praise songs, I stare at the girl leading worship and wonder if she’s prettier than me. During prayer, I think about my blog stats and how to get more “likes” on my posts. Why can’t I simply think about the sermon that I’m hearing, the verses that I’m reading, the songs that I’m singing, or the words that I’m praying?
Instead of doing the right thing and choosing to be friendly to the new girl, I stood in the church pew and watched her leave the building. Sure, I felt a twinge of guilt about ignoring her. But I just didn’t feel like talking to her. It wasn’t my responsibility to be the welcoming committee. I wasn’t obligated to speak to her. At least, those were the excuses that I formulated.
Sometimes, we read Scripture and wonder what we're supposed to learn by reading it. But other times, God gives us a lightbulb moment. And last week, God turned the lightbulb on in my mind. The Scripture passage about our spirit being willing but our flesh being weak (from Matthew 26) finally made sense to me.
Unfortunately, insecurity is just a part of life. There’s no way to avoid it or delay it. We can’t expect it to go away when we get older, and we can’t better ourselves so that we no longer experience it. It’s simply a consequence of the Fall when Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden. But there is something significant that you should know about insecurity that you've probably never heard before.
Honestly, I could spend hours alone, enjoying the peace and quiet. Interacting with others can be enjoyable, but it’s also exhausting. Thankfully, I can escape to my room or my car or my dorm room when I need a break from people. I can be completely alone there. But honestly, being utterly alone can quickly become utterly dangerous.
Every week, she sat at the church piano and played beautiful music as the congregation sang along. She didn’t demand attention or praise, but without her, it would’ve been difficult to worship during services. For weeks, months, and years, she served faithfully. But I don’t know if she was thanked for her service.
Sure, I do my quiet time. I actually do sit down with my Bible, journal, and colored pens. But I rush through my devotions. I don’t set my alarm early enough. I hurry off to class without even praying. I suppose it's not surprising that God seems so far away.
Tizzie's Tidbits of Truth 