Like a muscle, our spirit needs to exercise regularly. We cannot expect our spirit to grow if we rarely get our spirit moving. This week, I’ve found myself spending time with God and then moments after I move on to whatever the day holds, I would feel disconnected instantly.
Has that ever happened to you?
One moment you are standing in the midst of a life giving conversation, only for the next person to walk up and suck the life right out of you. Or maybe you’ve listened to worship music on the drive home, then you walk into the house with breaking news blasting on the TV.
How do we build the resilience we need to keep going? I most certainly do not know the answers to that question in totality. Though I did experience a holy moment this week that has added great value to my journey.
Be Present in Your Faith Everyday
At a bible study this week, we were talking with the group about ways that we find time for God throughout our day. Each of us genuinely curious,
“Where do you fit God in with all the busy?”
In some form or another, we all replied that we liked to prioritize time in the mornings, though we often would get caught up with other demands. Next thing you know, the entire day has gone by where you didn’t get to spend ANY quality time with Him.
One of the girls spoke for us all when she shared that it would negatively impact her day when she didn’t start it with God. Another shared about how she’d found a loophole to accessing Him when she “didn’t have time”.
“I notice God in everything I do.”
If God is the creator of all things, and is actively moving in our lives through His spirit, isn’t it possible that we could be in constant touch with Him?
There is a difference between “devotion time” and a “devoted life”.
Devotion time is a special time set aside from the rest of your day to focus on God. A devoted life is a step by step walk with God, recognizing that He is in every single detail of our day to day.
Neither one of the two are right or wrong. Both are guaranteed to add value to your faith.
Gratitude is the Attitude
When we replace our guilt of not spending enough time with God with gratitude for all that He is throughout our day, our resilience to the world begins to change. Our spirit becomes stronger and able to withstand the blows that come unexpectedly.
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.”
This simple verse from the book of James is part of your challenge this week. Read it over and allow yourself to marinate on the meaning. As you process it, you may find that it is much easier said than done to find joy in something that causes suffering. You may even consider the concept silly.
Give yourself the time to consider the trials, or obstacles currently in your way. How are you responding to each one? Are they causing you stress or frustration? Are you avoiding taking something on because of how much it weighs?
My prayer for you this week is that you find micro moments throughout your day to invite God into your trial. Our invite is active effort, that active effort compounds, and our spirit gains strength.
You are stronger than you think because God made you that way.
Peace be with you, my friend!
Makenna Curtis
Faith, Family, & Entertainment Writer
Local Pulse Pensacola
