Spiritual Formation: Overwhelmed?
Last time in this series on Spiritual Formation, we talked about The Good Shepherd. We were encouraged to be leaving the 99 and going after the one. The 'one' really is anyone that's wandering out from the safety and protection of the Shepherd.
Has anyone been finding opportunities to find ' the one'?
Maybe this week, you are 'the one'?
I've been hearing words from some of us like 'overwhelmed', 'tired', 'busy', 'booked up', 'stressed', 'exhausted...'
Can you add your own word?
Obviously, that's not the life Jesus intends for his followers! That's not what the Shepherd of Psalm 23 has for us! To refresh:
Psalm 23:1-6 NLT
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need. (Faith statement!)
He lets me rest in green meadows;he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. (Are we taking time to receive this strengthening rest?)
He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. (We honor the name of Jesus when we follow his guidance and paths.)
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid,for you are close beside me. (There isn't a thing this world can throw at you that Jesus will not be with you through.)
Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. (The crooked staff is for guiding, the rod is for discipline.)
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.
(Here and now! Eye has not seen....all that the Father has prepared!)
You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. (Being honored by God is a hint of heavenly rewards. The blessings are now!)
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
What a great thought- God's goodness and love pursuing us 'all our days'. Followed by our forever home!
This week I went for a walk behind my work. It’s a country setting with rolling hills and oak trees- much like the slide on the title screen. I turned my thoughts towards God, towards heaven.
The brown grassy hills, dry, dusty creek bed and leaves turning to gold were evidence of the fall season.
When you think about it, fall is a season of decrease. The once flowing streams are dry. Summer warmth gives way to dryness, cooling temperatures. The once green grass is dead and Browns, reds, oranges, yellows, replace the greens and vibrant colors of Spring and summer.
Though Fall can set a somber mood, there are some wonderful things about this season!
Harvest! Fall colors! Thanksgiving!
Then comes Winter.
We lived in Mt Shasta for five years- the memorable winters were marked by single digit temperatures, snowstorms, falling trees, icy sidewalks and streets.
Living there in Winter was hard work! But, as in every season, there are things you can enjoy along with the harsher aspects.
Snow men, warm fireplaces, hot cocoa and Christmas!
I prefer spring-
the way it smells right after a nice rain shower. Bright green backgrounds, color dotted with wild flowers and tree blossoms.
When I picture heaven its eternal spring. I always see green hills, lush vegetation, perhaps some animals drinking from cool flowing streams.
As I walked, I heard the voice of the Lord reassuring me against the bare brown backdrop and bone dry stream,
“I’m here too!”
The point was well taken- whatever season you find yourself today, God is there!
Ok, back to the words we talked about at the beginning:
'overwhelmed', 'tired', 'busy', 'booked up', 'stressed', 'exhausted...'
WDJS? (What did Jesus say?)
Help me fill in the blanks (clue- not the words from our list):
Jesus said, I have come that you might have
_________
My ____________ I give you
My yoke is _____________ and my burden is ____________
We are familiar with most things Jesus said, right?
The songs we sing like 'God I Look to You' hold a key to this:
God I look to You (always the first place to look!)
I won't be overwhelmed (got to start with positive statements)
Give me vision to see things like You do (get God's perspective)
God I look to You
You're where my help comes from (quote scripture- I lift my eyes up- Psalm 121) we'll come back in a sec to it!
Give me wisdom, You know just what to do
And I will love You Lord my strength...
WDJS: John 14:27 ESV
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
What is Jesus saying to us in all our busyness and stress?
It's more than a nice suggestion- to me,
it reads like a command!
In effect He says, "I'm giving you peace!
Don't lose it by getting caught up caring too much about this world!"
Don't let your heart be troubled!
It's like it's up to us if we want to allow worry and fear to get in and ruin it!
