Ennui ... (a moment of weakness ?)

Do you get those feelings that you've missed it? Or worse, blown it? That all you're currently doing is marking time and or languishing somewhere at the back of a very dusty shelf? It may not be depression or melancholy you are experiencing, but there is a tangible and distinct feeling of disquiet and restlessness. I finally had to face the fact that perhaps my 'problem' was that I really didn't have a problem. Silly? Not. We can get to the point that our 'lifestyle' is one of being in battle so that when there is a pause, a respite we are without anything to contend with/against. Thus... we don't know what we should be doing.?! Possible? Yes. Weakness? Maybe.

Most plausible. But, basically, deep down, that, my friends, I would argue, is the result of a longing to be home... as in Home in Heaven. For me, it descends every once in a while not necessarily heralding anything in particular but reminding me that this world is not my true home. That I am a representative. right where I am, with responsibilities  but that it really is only a temporary residence for a finite amount of time. I really should be about my Lord's business while there is time.

Don't misunderstand... I do love my life (for the most part) and have all the critical components (basic needs met, family, friends, and most importantly - a mission) - I am not longing for death. But I've discovered that you can long to be someplace else, Home, without desiring to abandon life. I've adhered to the scripture, "...it's appointed for each man a time to die..." (Hebrews 9:27) and I really am not seeking my day/time, yet... Typically I react to me in these times with a shrug and try to move on.

Years ago when I was a golf addict my brother said something that ended up being a tag line of mine in a variety of areas. He said, he tried to take the attitude that if a shot he made wasn't his best or didn't do what he wanted... it was only a shot - it didn't need to be the entire game. (paraphrased). Wise, yes. (Not a question) 

I do try and live by this standard - sometimes better than other times. One of the greatest verses for me became/is:

   "For we do not have a High Priest (Jesus)who is unable to sympathize 

    and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has 

    been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every 

    respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin." (Hebrews 4:15, AMP)

My answer to my time of ennui - recognizing that my Lord DOES recognize these feelings and is the one to turn to. We don't need to wallow in these times but we can overcome and go beyond them because He knows and understands. Now couple that verse with 1 Corinthians 10:13 AMP

   "No temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed 

    you that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation 

    unusual or beyond human resistance]; but God is faithful [to His 

    word—He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you

    be tempted beyond your ability [to resist], but along with the tempta-

    tion He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide the way 

    out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and 

    will overcome temptation with joy].

How's that for a 1-2 punch! Standing on these 2 scriptures provides me with an unshakable foundation. Your answer to your times may be different - find  scripture(s) that are foundational for you and that you can lean on to go beyond... ennui.

I Have Come...

Some of the more remarkable statements Jesus made was to tell us, unmistakably, why He came. It is an incredible list of what He brings us so that we can live the abundant life. None of His 'gifts' are insignificant and they all provide us with a foundation. Do we appropriate them for ourselves and then share this with others, demonstrating what happens for them when they accept Jesus' Lordship? 

To do the will of the Father.

To save sinners.
To bring light to the world.
To bear witness to the truth.
To destroy the work of the devil.
To give eternal life.

And those are only 6 of over 31 different acts Jesus came to bring and do for us. This is why He came and what He did. Jesus had a mission and a vision about who He was, why He was here, what He was about and His words and actions were meant to fulfill this. Scripture (Amplified) records:

   "Do not think that I came to do away with or undo the [a]Law [of Moses] 

    or the [writings of the] Prophets; I did not come to destroy but to fulfill." 

    (Matthew 5:17)

   "...I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance 

    [to the full, till it overflows]." (John 10:10)

   "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me (the Messiah), Because He has 

       **anointed Me to preach the good news to the poor.

       **He has sent Me to announce release (pardon, forgiveness) to the 

           captives,

       **And recovery of sight to the blind,

       **To set free those who are oppressed (downtrodden, bruised, crushed 

           by tragedy)" (Luke 4:18)

   "...for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

    (Luke 19:10)

Goodness! If you were tasked with these responsibilities, how would you feel? Knowing that you had only a short time to get your message understood by others, what would you say? How would you say it? Because inevitably there would be the final act, the final demonstration about who you are and this result would be your death. And... can you imagine a love so great that you willingly would undertake it because your love of the God of the Universe and His creation necessitated you, and only you, to give your life as an atonement for all?

What do these words mean to you? Are they manifested in your life? Have you ever taken the time to SEE and understand what has been bought for you... and the price it cost? Do you understand that when you accept Jesus as your personal Lord... you get so much more! Scripture tells us what that 'more' is. When it's available, How it's available, What you need to do to appropriate it for yourself.

Since the time of the fall of man, life has never been a 'piece of cake'. It is always fraught with so much that keeps us from 'abundance' - which is what Jesus wants for us.

   "The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I (Jesus) 

    came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance 

    [to the full, till it overflows]." (John 10:10, AMP) 

He makes this same statement (He demonstrates this, He teaches this) over and over in order to give us hope and faith, to help us through this time... to help us see that through Him we CAN live a full and abundant life. Why would He tell us this if it was not possible? He doesn't tempt or tease us with this possibility, He tells us that this is why He came. Who He is. Who He continues to be (Hebrews 13:8). 

   "Jesus said to him, (Thomas) “I am the [only] Way [to God] and the 

    [real] Truth and the [real] Life; no one comes to the Father but 

    through Me." (John 14:6, AMP)

Your Best gift

You do realize that there is no way you can repay the Lord for what He's done for you and keeps doing... yes? And that it has never been an understanding, perception that you deserve His consideration. Then again... that really isn't the question. So what DO you do? Is it a bit like what the boy does in the song "The Little Drummer Boy"? But what does scripture say about repaying the Lord?

So what can you (we, anyone) do? What 'repayment' could possibly be offered? The Answer is - You. That's your best (and only, I would argue) gift you can give. It is always your choice, your offering... your gift to the Lord. And it is a gift that keeps on giving as you grow into the person, the best you, you can be. The best win-win. Because becoming your best is your gift to you as well. 

Seriously, have you ever thought that growing, becoming the best you is also a gift to yourself? It is. And it is completely under your control - you decide if you will learn, if you will grow, if you will give your best gift. But it should also give you a great sense of direction to know that this is your method/way of acknowledging and 'repaying' the Lord.

When scripture talks about 'repayment' there is a shift from a 'quid pro quo' approach.

   "Owe nothing to anyone except to love and seek the best for one 

    another; for he who [unselfishly] loves his neighbor has fulfilled the 

    [essence of the] law [relating to one’s fellowman]." (Romans 13:8, AMP) 

This scripture is talking about not being in debt except the deb to love and seek the best for others. Again, something that we choose to do. It also comes with a gift attached: fulfilling the essence of the law.

   "But whoever has the world’s goods (adequate resources), and sees 

    his brother in need, but has no compassion for him, how does the  

    love of God live in him?" (1 John 3:17, AMP)

The context of repayment in this verse is a question, a way to judge our own actions. How would God's love be in evidence in us if we acted without compassion?

   "Carry one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the require-

    ments of the law of Christ [that is, the law of Christian love]."

    (Galatians 6:2, AMP)

Again our choice. But this is behavior that is pleasing to the Lord. Even though it is impossible to repay Him for His gift of life to us, when we do the things that He would have us be/do, then we are becoming our best selves. Always remember His words:

   "Be on guard; stand firm in your faith [in God, respecting His precepts 

    and keeping your doctrine sound]. Act like [mature] men and be courage-

    ous; be strong. Let everything you do be done in love [motivated and 

    inspired by God’s love for us]." (1 Corinthians 16:13-14, AMP)

We, with all our flaws but also our qualities, still are our best gift to the Lord. We demonstrate this when we do what He tells us and know that when we abide in Him that we have everything we need to continue to be our best gift.

Do not fear...

How many times does the Lord say to us... do not fear? Take a look at how often He does say this in His word. Any thoughts? As a matter of fact, we are told not to fear 365 times in scripture! One for each day of the year.!? Incredible. So why don't we not fear? Is fear and faith a trust issue? OF COURSE. And more.

There is absolutely NO area in our lives that fear isn't addressed in scripture. I think the point is if you feel your faith is flagging and needs supporting, look to the (specific) fear and the Word's response to it. And still... why do we let fear in, because it is we who give in to the fear. Do we forget our faith? our weapons? our response to fear?

When you begin to study out the ‘why’ we aren’t supposed to fear, I think you’ll notice that many times it precedes an important announcement. It's almost like a divine attention phrase that is supposed to ease us into listening and understanding what will come next. One of my favorites is when the angels appear to the shepherds.

   “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which 

    will be for all the people. For this day in the city of David there has been 

    born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (the Messiah).” (Luke 2:10-11, AMP)

Obviously, when something occurs, from the momentous to the mundane that we don't understand, we do/may tend to respond initially with fear until we actually do hear, do begin to understand the message that is being imparted/given. Then the joy emerges. Can you put yourself, for a moment, into the shoes of those shepherds who have seen the great star (light) and now see rejoicing angels? Wouldn't you be just a tad bit concerned as to what this was purporting to be (do)? But fear?

Again, it may be an issue of semantics/definitions. Fear, in my world, is defined in terms of those 'things' that I have NO control over and never expected so I'm not certain how I should react. For me, 'fear' is an absence of knowing what to do and/or how. Simply because I've never experienced (fill in the blank) is not necessarily a cause for fear. 

I know that the church speaks in terms of fear as the absence of our faith but this is generalized and fear has many manifestation: physical, emotional, specific, general, harm, challenge, etc. When we do experience a sense of dread, fear... we need to do a quick assessment to discern what the threat is and what's being threatened. Rarely is this done. Bravado, anger, flight are only some of our reactions to a perceived fear.

All that leads to understanding but it does not eliminate our fear nor adequately explain it. I believe that this is because fear really is individually defined and experienced. What may cause fear in me may be laughable to you. What we all need to do is recognized when we are heading toward fear and stop before we react. Fear is meant to cripple us. But as we turn to the Lord and exercise our faith... we overcome and do not fear.

Trophy

YOU are a trophy for God! Betcha you never thought of yourself in this light. I know I certainly didn't. Can't take credit for the revelation... a pastor was giving a message from Galatians and made the comment. Now before you dismiss it out of hand... think about it. And, you are not only a trophy, you are a displayed trophy (person) in His trophy case by HIM. We all are. You may not be as invisible as you think. 

Everyone who accepts Jesus as Lord is a trophy for the Father and He relishes this not the least of reason is that a trophy for God means one less person the devil controls. Remember... the devil is sneaky and hasn't given up on leading you astray (1 Peter 5:8) and though you belong to the Lord, the devil really wants you on the sidelines totally ineffective. He tries to continually tell you that you aren't worth it, you can do nothing that brings honor to the Lord - you are a loser. Never, buy into this lie. The devil is actually very fearful of you... of the witness you can provide.

When you think about this a bit longer, it's what YOU do with this status, how you display yourself that becomes the gift you bring. Unlike trophies in a case, we aren't there to simply stand there. The times that we are best displayed are times we are living trophies, doing what's at our hand, bringing honor and glory to the Lord. I like to think that each time we do this, we are becoming more shiny, more visible, more of a witness of Whose we are. 

Remember the story of the prodigal son? Talk about a huge mistake... that man made it! Then again, before we accepted Jesus as our Lord, so were we - massively lost. At the end of that parable, remember... the father threw a huge party for his son to celebrate his return. 

   "...for this son of mine was [as good as] dead and is alive again; he was 

    lost and has been found.’ So they began to celebrate." (Luke 15:24, AMP)

We read this parable in John as well. I think it's meant to bring (and reinforce) hope that no matter how far away we are from God, He will find a way to help us home. Ultimately, it is always our choice to accept. That's what God does for us when we accept Him! Talk about a trophy snatched from the devil's hands! Regardless of how 'good' or 'bad' we are, we have this same opportunity. And being lost is not a viable choice.

We're actually returning to our roots. We come with all of us, warts and all - and it's this testimony to others that encourages them to do the same. And we continue to make mistakes, we sin - it really isn't new information. The Father knew this would happen so He gave us 1 John 1:9 so that we could return to fellowship with Him. 

Do you want to be a trophy? Do what's at your hand to His glory and honor... not yours. It is the Lord who provides us with opportunities to become trophies.

Controlling you

Controlling you. Do you? Does someone else or something else dictate? Do you allow yourself to express whatever it is you are feeling and yet not control you or your feelings? (Some people call this 'being transparent. Really?) Actually... never swallow your feelings, they will express themselves - now or eventually. The point isn't so much control versus the expression as it is our how of expressing, the length of time the emotion is dominant, and if we engage in punishing ourselves or others after the emotion is expressed. Punish others? Oh yes. Because typically our somewhat explosive expression is when we are vulnerable and don't hide ourselves.

   "Like a city that is broken down and without walls [leaving it 

    unprotected] is a man who has no self-control over his spirit [and 

    sets himself up for trouble]." (Proverbs 25:28, AMP) 

Is self control even possible or needed? Obviously 'yes' to both. This verse in Proverbs is only one of many that speak to us about the need for, our responsibility for, and our ability to do what's necessary in order that OUR self-control rules!

Galatians 5:19-21, AMP speak to the importance of our control over ourselves and includes the lack of our control over ourselves along with sexual immorality, witchcraft, hatred, rage, envy, drunkenness, etc. That may sound harsh but it's what the Word says... and ends with: "I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."  That just demonstrated how important self-control is.

Both the Old and New Testaments talk about self-control and its importance... so if we are asked to do something, we obviously can! There are over 50 verses that speak to this issue and more that tell us what WE receive when we do this. So what is it we receive if we practice self-control; and do remember this is an ongoing process that really never ends. We receive:

   "For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems sad and painful; 

    yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peace-

    ful fruit of righteousness [right standing with God and a lifestyle and 

    attitude that seeks conformity to God’s will and purpose]." 

    (Hebrews 12:9-11, AMP)

   "For this very reason, applying your diligence [to the divine promises, 

    make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to, develop moral 

    excellence, and in moral excellence, knowledge (insight, under-

    standing), and in your knowledge, self-control..." (2 Peter 1:5-9, AMP) 

Self-control is NOT isolated. it is based in what we do know, where our faith is. Our knowledge (when acted on) and faith are strong pillars in who we are and how we present ourselves. Self-control also produces, among others qualities, steadfastness, godliness, love. I suspect that this is why the Galatian verses (5: 22-23) include self-control as a fruit of the Spirit!

1 Corinthians 9:24 admonishes us to run our race so as to get the prize. I would suggest that self control is the path to the prize.

   "I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward 

    call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3;14, AMP)

Here I am...

First consider 2 scriptures:

   "Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who 

    will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 5:8, AMP)

   "But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon 

    you; and you will be My witnesses [to tell people about Me] both in 

    Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the 

    earth.” (Acts 1:8, AMP)

In the process of understanding these two verses and also their relationship, don't miss the phrase - 'I heard the voice of the Lord...' To me, that is revelatory and of great importance. Obviously, the words say there was no doubt that the voice was the Lords... AND this describes a relationship that was developed long enough for this to be a trusted fact - not a wonder of 'was this of he Lord, or just me'. Also, if you know it's the Lord, you don't need to test the spirits (1 John 4:1) to discover if the voice is or is not the His. 

[I'm also going to add an addendum to this paragraph. The Holy Spirit wasn't at work in the Old Testament as much as He is in the New. He did lead the Old Testament Prophets, however, in the New Covenant, WE have the Spirit residing in us and with us. I believe that in the Old Testament, the 'recipient' had to be more confident.] 

‘Here I am... send me’, Is that your goal, mindset - attitude. If it isn’t, don’t expect to be asked to 'do' something. It isn’t that you aren't always ‘used’, it’s the attitude of availability and preparedness. Remember the 'wise virgins' (Matthew 25:1-13)? We should always be in a position of preparedness and availability. Also remember Luke 12:48, AMP:

   "...From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; 

    and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more."  

Those who are ready, will be those who are asked... at least in my world of understanding. 

Two obvious points: 1. 'Send me' is definitely a decision by the person, unforced... of their own free will. And if you answer and say 'send me', then 2. is that you ARE equipped with everything you need to be successful. I have always found it amazing that even when I don't feel/think I'm prepared, at the point I need (fill in the blank) it is always present. I believe that the reason is that the Lord always provides whatever is needed when it is needed. We are never un-equipped. All we do is to be available and trust. We are His Ambassadors, why would He leave us and set us up for failure? Not. We do have our responsibilities though, we do need is to be prepared, to do our 'due diligence' - pray, study.

We are not alone though, we are equipped, enabled:

   "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has granted me [the needed] 

    strength and made me able for this, because He considered me 

    faithful and trust-worthy, putting me into service [for this ministry]," 

    (1 Timothy 1:12, AMP)

   "For those whom He foreknew [and loved and chose beforehand], 

    He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son [and 

    ultimately share in His complete sanctification], so that He would 

    be the firstborn [the most beloved and honored] among many 

    believers. And those whom He predestined, He also called; and 

    those whom He called, He also justified [declared free of the guilt 

    of sin]; and those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising 

    them to a heavenly dignity]." (Romans 8: 29-30, AMP)

We receive so very much, when we say - Here am I... Send me. 

 

I think...

Hmmm... does this mean, "I believe"? And when I say, I believe, do I really mean, I think? Related they are but they aren't the same. At least to me. For me, 'I think' means that I have come to a conclusion, a point of understanding leading to a decision and an act... BUT, I am still open to input. I can still tweak my 'I think' without any negative ramifications. Not so with I believe.

'I believe' is putting all of me behind what follows. It is making a declaration, a statement. Does it mean that it's in cement? Never. 'I believe' can grow, can become more of a pillar or foundation with time. It says that I will stand on this, unequivocally, confidently, and without reservation. So is this just a fancy way of saying, 'it's relative'. Horrors... no! With every stand I take, I take fully and committed. HOWEVER, I will listen to your position when it differs and will take 'under advisement' to see how it blends or challenges or activates my belief. Remember, sometimes we say the same thing but have different meanings and sometimes we say different things and mean the same. It's always in the semantics and definitions.

When I say 'I think' I try to say this as an option for others. I'm indicating my thinking, what I know and understand. It's my pre-pretty much cement stage. I'm not 'testing the waters', because I've already done this. I have determined, based on my experience, how I will act. However, the point really is my foundation for assessing, coordinating, incorporating what I include as my criteria for determining my 'I think'.

While we all may know how we determine whether or not we accept/incorporate a piece of data into our frame of reference, mindset; but do we understand what underscores this? Perhaps this is part of the reason we need to renew our minds?! This, renewing, was never an idle suggestion - it has always held a place of predominance. It is also an ongoing process. You don't wake up one morning and tell yourself that this would be a good day to renew your mind (Romans 12:2) ... once you begin the process it will be continuous. 

I believe that the Lord created us with a mind that He expected us to use. However, we can always be mistaken or have only half truths but He expects us to be responsible for what we know and how we use this. At ALL time and in ALL situations. This means we need to renew and keep refining. Scripture speaks to our 'I think':

   "Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the 

    heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only 

    temporal value]." (Colossians 3:2, AMP)

   "We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and 

    proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, 

    and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience

    of Christ," (2 Corinthians 10:5, AMP)

   "...whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, 

    whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and 

    wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admir-

    able and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything 

    worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind 

    on them, and implant them in your heart]. 9 The things which you 

    have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these 

    things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-

    being will be with you." (Philippians 4:8, AMP)

Renewing... I think... I believe are all part of who we are and how we go about being us. They all are also 'in process' since we are continually besieged from all sides with new information, challenges, temptations. Actually, there is very little that is in cement. Therefore, when we do act, we must confidently respond and act and continue. By the way... 'confidently' isn't afraid of differing thoughts nd positions. Challenges are seen in the context of 'iron sharpening iron' (Proverbs 27:17). But also remember we have help on our way so we can do and be... our best.   

A good work ... You!

One of my favorite verses is :

   "I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun 

    a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day 

    of Christ Jesus [the time of His return]." (Philippians 1:6, AMP)

I must admit that sometimes when I'm reading scripture I come across a verse that tells me I'm not the only one who is facing the same issue. For me, this verse falls into this category. Because I sometimes need encouraging that I'm not alone in this journey to perfection and also the Lord is with me as I attempt to grow. 

This scripture also helps me in other ways, such as if I've misplaced my hope or joy. If you've misplaced your hope, you can find it in this verse. This is especially helpful when you are under attack and you can find no answer. Knowing that 'the Lord's not done with me yet' and 'I'm a work in progress' helps me regain me in the midst of those doubtful moments. If the Lord hasn't given up on me... if He is still involved in helping me become my best; then the least I can do is stand on this if my confidence in me is waning.

As confident as I typically am, there are always tests and challenges, plus the devil's temptations. But...because of the Lord, I can get through these trying times and rest in this scripture plus a few more: 1 Corinthians 10:13, Romans 8:37, and Romans 8:28 among others. One thing that I've learned is to have certain scriptures 'at the ready' to defeat whatever I'm facing. It is never wise to go into a battle (or have one thrust upon oneself) without being armed. Plus I have never forgotten how Jesus defeated the devil... 'it is written'.

One thing we should never entertain is giving up on ourselves. When we accepted Jesus as Lord, immediately the journey of helping us become our best began. Why give up before the goal is attained?

   "Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at 

    the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in." (Galatians 6:9 AMP)

Granted this verse is directed toward our behavior when we are attempting to accomplish a goal. But aren't we, the focus on us, just as important? Absolutely! Remember always that 

   "No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; And every tongue 

    that rises against you in judgment you will condemn. This [peace, 

    righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition] is the heritage 

    of the servants of the Lord, And this is their vindication from Me,” says 

    the Lord." (Isaiah 54:17, AMP)

In case you did some speed reading... stop and focus for a moment on the word, 'heritage'. You, We all have a heritage from the Lord! Webster defines 'heritage' as: "something possessed as a result of one's natural situation or birth". When you accepted Jesus as your Lord, you were reborn, a new creation. But Webster also uses the word, 'possessed' in the definition. To me that means an act on MY part... something I must do. And that 'doing' is to confirm, affirm, attest to my position as a servant of the Lord and thus entitled to His protection. 

We can walk in this as joint heirs (Romans 8:17) with Christ. A good work WAS begun in us. Live in this reality... and rejoice.

Lost your way?

Something's wrong? Perhaps your heart's a bit cold? Hurt? Where's the joy? Where's the hope? Where's the confidence? Feeling a bit low, sad, lost? Most important question - do you know why? I think we all find ourselves, from time to time, in this position. (A kind of 'aside' in this is... did we learn from the last time we were here?) So now that we've identified the issue - lost - what do we do? Since each 'lost' situation seems to have its own flavor and focus, is there anything we can utilized from previous times? 

Lost is a very uncomfortable feeling. My first question to me typically is... is this a feeling or a place (they really aren't the same and rarely are resolved in the same way)? Lost, for me, is a bit like numbness and I really intensely dislike being numb. Fortunately, there are scriptures that we can turn to to both identify what's happening and the resolution, such as:

   "Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at 
    all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring 
    lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8, AMP)

My questions: how am I responding? Am I balanced and self-disciplined... and, if not, what do I need to do to be in that state. Do I recognize who my enemy is and adjust my response to this? Actually, when I do this, I find myself gaining 'control' over me and my situation. (Then again, I am the analyzer type. If you're not... what will you do?)

While feelings are important and we do need to acknowledge them... we don't need to give them preeminence. We can operate in a different context, but I don't believe this is possible until we acknowledge and own how we feel. For me, my least favorite state is lost. Lost opens up so many different options of why I got there and what I can do now. So, I need to define 'lost' in this particular situation.

And I need to go to scripture for my response and scripture provides 16 verses to consider.

   "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but 

    [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment 

    and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced 

    mind and self-control]." (2 Timothy 1:7, AMP)

   "Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am 

    your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will 

    certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of 

    justice, of power, of victory, of salvation]." (Isaiah 41:10, AMP)

   "Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do 

    not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways 

    know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your 

    paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]." 

    (Proverbs 3: 5-6, AMP)

Reading them, reciting them, letting them sink into my spirit is how I emerge from my 'lost' condition. I need to remember the relationship I am building with the Lord and trust in Him and in it. Whenever times like these happen, cling to who you are becoming and whose you are.

Stop living like an orphan!

Actually, I can't take credit for the title. I heard this phrase while listening to a message by Pastor Shane. But goodness... this is a powerful thought! The important question is... is it true for you? Why? What is your relationship with the Father? Is it close and intimate? Is He only GOD? Do you keep Him at arm's length? Is yours the battlefront foxhole kind of relationship - you turn to Him in crisis situations but rarely in other times. Soooo how do you describe your relationship?

I would argue that too many Christians have an orphan mentality when it comes to their relationship with the Lord. Not certain why they think this... Could they feel like a full and complete commitment and involvement means they'll 'have to give up' people and activities that they don't want to but suspect they'll need to?