Bible

I sat in the passenger seat of my husband’s truck and just cried as he and I talked the other day.

I revealed to him that I had let my heart get twisted up and sideways- like he didn’t already know I had let my priorities slip- and just how disappointed I was.. in me.

Work has been busy, summer has had me tired, and I have been absent. Absent like not on vacation.. just skating around the house doing what “needed” to be done with little investment elsewhere.

I read once that if Satan can’t beat you, he will at least try and keep you busy.

And he did… keep me busy…

Do you know what I get asked probably more than anything by my followers?

“How do find time to study the Bible?”

Let me tell you something. The Bible is food, y’all. A relationship and bedtime prayer is not good enough for Jesus. Even if you spend everyday, every thought, with the idea of Jesus… if you’re not spending time with Him in His word.. you’re going to be hungry. Hangry even, I know that’s a thing now and probably more appropriate to what I’m trying to illustrate.

This hunger is not that belly burning rumble, it’s subtle… until it’s poked. You don’t realize (I don’t guess you do, I didn’t) until it’s there.. that one thing that caused you to respond in a way you normally wouldn’t.

Hangry. Like devouring an entire deep dish pizza and then having to sit in that.. it’s misery. Tasted good at the time though didn’t it?

What about that argument with your husband about not taking out the trash?.. felt right didn’t it? Justified. He deserved it. Until he told you how awful his day was.. and then misery- you’re sitting in it.

What about fussing at your kids for ruining your new towels. I mean they should not even been messing with the laundry, they don’t do anything else? And then they say, “Mama, I’m sorry I messed this up- but I just knew you’ve been really tired and we just wanted to help you Mama.” Misery.

**Disclaimer: these examples are not based on real life events but provided for illustration as an opportunity to learn**

Subtle.. until poked, eliciting a greater than normal- or totally different than normal- response.

The Bible is food, and y’all were hungry. I mean I don’t know about you but I make time for lunch every day. Sometimes twice.

It takes less than five minutes to have a change in circumstance; less than that to have a change in your feelings.

Anybody else have that one child that can poke you faster than any of the others or is that just me?

…and we have to be ready for that.

When you leave for a four hour trip in the car with 3 under the age of 4- you get ready. You go potty and pack a snack or there will be at least one explosion.

….and you really think that a wet car seat makes for a bad day… until you have a wet face because you weren’t prepared.

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low and I know how to abound.  in any and every circumstance, I have learned that secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13

learned: having much knowledge acquired by study.

whatever: used to emphasize a lack of restriction in referring to anything,  no matter what

content: in a state of peace.

We will have good days, the best days… we will also have bad ones, the ones that feel like the worse… and the secret to survival that doesn’t lead to heartache and regret is the same… Jesus.

The way you feel on a day-to-day basis can change in a moment, several times a day if you’re like me… Situations.. circumstances… people… problems… changing.. all the time. Do not let your day dictate your demeanor and don’t let a temporary circumstance compromise your character.

I have.

I let my heart get twisted around because I let the life I have been given supersede what gives me life. I didn’t regularly feed my appetite for our Lord because I was too busy… or too tired… and because of that, what I have learned in all my studying became rusty, I said things I shouldn’t have even though I know that no matter what I am called to a different response, and because of those things… my soul was stirred and my peace robbed.

Satan stole my time, crippled my character, and destroyed my peace. (John 10:10)

Busy is what he does; it’s what he waits on; this is what he plans. (Luke 4:13)

Satan cannot defeat you, but he can disarm you.

You will absolutely be tested (1st Peter 4:12), but Jesus will not test you beyond what you can bear, and for every chance Satan tempts you, Jesus also gives you an opportunity of escape. (1st Corinthians 10:13)

but it’s our choice.

It’s not that difficult to clean up a soiled carseat… but regret? that’s hard to wash out.

Obedience is our job; outcome is His

God rewards those faithful to Him, and He only wants what’s best for us. Not what feels best. Even if it hurts, we have not missed God’s protection over our lives. He has a much greater purpose than helping us avoid pain- it’s to make us better servants for Him. God guides us through circumstances- not helps us escape them.

Make the time before you make the mistake.

Hugs,