Be soft.
This year, I have some goals. Be kind, be intentional, be sincere, be soft.
I'm learning, slowly, and growing. These goals aren't things I'm straining to do, but things I ask God to help me with. Abba, show me how I can be kind today. Show me ways I can be more intentional. Help me to be sincere in my interactions. Help me to be soft and understanding, instead of hard and defensive.
I'm learning to be still. I'm learning to listen. I'm learning to love others regardless of conditions.
I'm learning to be soft.
I'm learning to trust my Abba. I'm learning, more like always learning, that His timing is right -and patience is key.
I'm learning to breathe. I'm learning to take life day by day. I'm learning that stress doesn't have to be a thing. Sure, I still get overwhelmed from time to time (18 credits will do that for ya), but overall I'm learning to find joy in the little things. Instead of grumbling about all the homework I have to do, I'm asking God to show me himself in my classes.
Most of all, I'm learning that it's not life and Jesus, it's life WITH Jesus. I'm learning to life a life in communion with my Savior. Day by day. Moment by moment. To be in constant conversation. Asking Him what He thinks, asking for guidance, praying for patience and understanding.
I'm learning to be grateful for the little things - to recognize the small ways Yahweh is revealing Himself to me day by day. I'm learning to be alone. As an extrovert, it's a struggle - but I'm learning to cherish my moments of solitude.
I'm learning to understand people. To care about people. To invest in people.
Nothing brings me greater joy than to see others blooming. I love getting to hear people talk about their passions and dreams. It's still crazy to me how different everyone can be.
I'm learning humility. I'm learning to listen to others' thoughts on things and accept them as valid. I'm learning to ask God what He thinks instead of assuming I'm right. This year, my theology has gotten torn up - I'm still relearning what I believe and hold to be true. It's been humbling. I used to find identity in my understanding of theology. I used to think I had it all figured out. But, the more I get to know God, the more I understand His holiness and His glory, the more I realize I'll never fully comprehend even a breath of who He is. I'm learning to be okay with not knowing. I'm learning to be okay with learning alongside of others instead of being a step ahead. I'm learning that there are things I might never understand.
I'm learning to not complain. This one is the lesson I trip up on most. It's easy for me to get overwhelmed by 7:50 classes and 18 credits and snow storms. I'm learning that others' hardships don't minimize my own. Just because someone else has a hard semester too doesn't mean mine is any less valid. But, I'm learning to find joy in it. I'll graduate before I know it.D
I'm learning to ask God big things. Abba, show me how YOU see your children. Abba, show me where I'm choosing things over you. Abba, help me be more like you.
Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Gentleness. Self-control. Goodness.
Yahweh, make me like You.
The art of being soft
The art of being soft
Not so "Little Things"
Not so "Little Things"
It's just music.
It's just a TV show.
It's just a movie.
It's just a joke.
Have you ever made one of these statements? I know I have.
So many times I've tried to rationalize what I've chosen to listen, watch or say.
Over Christmas break I was convicted. So many times I've chosen to watch a show on netflix rather than spend time with Jesus. So many times I've been unable to connect with my Abba because some dirty pop song from the radio was stuck in my head. Over time I've seen my mind begin to be corrupted by the shows I watch. I rationalize it - "I know what I believe. It won't effect me. It's not a big deal." But then I hear myself thinking more along time lines of the values the show depicts, as slowly things that used to be a big deal to me no longer seem like huge issues. I've gradually become numb to the things that used to be core values. "They don't know Jesus, so it doesn't matter." Seriously?
I'm sickened that this went on so long. I'm saddened that it took me so long to realize what I've been trying to ignore. I thought that I couldn't live without these things. I thought it wasn't a big deal. Little did I know how wrong I was.
Maybe that means giving up a show you like. Maybe that means giving up your favorite radio station. Maybe that means you don't go to a movie with your friends. But, whatever the sacrifice, it's nothing compared to the worth of gaining a deeper relationship with Yahweh. No matter what the cost, it's nothing compared to the gain. It's worth it. I can vouch for that. I thought I'd miss it. I thought I'd be sad, bored, and frustrated. But, much to my surprise, I'm more joyful. I'm much more focused on Christ. Instead of Ke$ha running through my head, I'm singing praises to my God all day long. Instead of talking about the sexual innuendoes of whatever sitcom is popular, I'm able to express my deep gratitude that my God is a God who redeems.
Is it hard sometimes? Oh yes. There are definitely times when all I want to do is listen to my pop music playlist. But, believe me, there are alternatives. Instead of listening to garbage when I workout, I listen to Jesus music and leave more filled with truth. Instead of watching those shows, I watch sermons.
Maybe that means you miss out sometimes, but the Kingdom is worth it. The joy is worth it. Christ is MORE than worth it.
Fight for joy.
Praise God for His redemption. Praise God for His work in my heart. Praise God for His patience and faithfulness.
It's just a TV show.
It's just a movie.
It's just a joke.
Have you ever made one of these statements? I know I have.
So many times I've tried to rationalize what I've chosen to listen, watch or say.
Over Christmas break I was convicted. So many times I've chosen to watch a show on netflix rather than spend time with Jesus. So many times I've been unable to connect with my Abba because some dirty pop song from the radio was stuck in my head. Over time I've seen my mind begin to be corrupted by the shows I watch. I rationalize it - "I know what I believe. It won't effect me. It's not a big deal." But then I hear myself thinking more along time lines of the values the show depicts, as slowly things that used to be a big deal to me no longer seem like huge issues. I've gradually become numb to the things that used to be core values. "They don't know Jesus, so it doesn't matter." Seriously?
I'm sickened that this went on so long. I'm saddened that it took me so long to realize what I've been trying to ignore. I thought that I couldn't live without these things. I thought it wasn't a big deal. Little did I know how wrong I was.
Maybe that means giving up a show you like. Maybe that means giving up your favorite radio station. Maybe that means you don't go to a movie with your friends. But, whatever the sacrifice, it's nothing compared to the worth of gaining a deeper relationship with Yahweh. No matter what the cost, it's nothing compared to the gain. It's worth it. I can vouch for that. I thought I'd miss it. I thought I'd be sad, bored, and frustrated. But, much to my surprise, I'm more joyful. I'm much more focused on Christ. Instead of Ke$ha running through my head, I'm singing praises to my God all day long. Instead of talking about the sexual innuendoes of whatever sitcom is popular, I'm able to express my deep gratitude that my God is a God who redeems.
Is it hard sometimes? Oh yes. There are definitely times when all I want to do is listen to my pop music playlist. But, believe me, there are alternatives. Instead of listening to garbage when I workout, I listen to Jesus music and leave more filled with truth. Instead of watching those shows, I watch sermons.
Maybe that means you miss out sometimes, but the Kingdom is worth it. The joy is worth it. Christ is MORE than worth it.
Fight for joy.
Praise God for His redemption. Praise God for His work in my heart. Praise God for His patience and faithfulness.
Music, Joy, & Returning to Christ
Music, Joy, & Returning to Christ
I'm learning.
Slowly, but I'm learning.
I'm learning that life is a fight - a fight for joy. A fight to desire Christ above all else. A fight to not get distracted by temporary things.
It's easy to think little things aren't a big deal. "Well, it's just music." or "It's just a movie."
Believe me, I've been there. I AM there. For whatever reason, over the past few years, my judgment has slipped. I've neglected to realize the depth of the impact the things I watch and listen to have on my growth and outlook on life.
I'm learning. I'm learning that the music I listen to effects my attitude in more ways than I ever imagined. I think deep down I'm always known that, but didn't want to accept it. I like secular music. It sounds good. It's fun. It has a sweet beat. But by focusing on that sweet beat I've missed out on sweet moments with my sweet Jesus. I've filled my ears with the world, allowing the ideals of our culture to infiltrate my mind. And sadly, I've begun to believe them. I've bought into the culture that my worth is found in my appearance. That I'm only as good as my dress size. I've believed that my body is to be used as a weapon.
Worst of all, I haven't listened to the Spirit when it's tried to tell me these things. When my Abba has nudged my heart, showing me softly the impact these things have made on me. I wish I would have listened sooner.
So, that all being said, I'm not listening to secular music this semester. I'm asking God to speak to my heart. I'm rooting out the ways the world has gotten a hold on me. I'm cutting ties with distractions. No secular music. Not because it's inherently bad, but because it's inhibiting my ability to connect with my Savior. Giving up sweet beats for sweet moments is more than worth it to me.
Over the past week and a half I've already seen God use this. Give Him opportunities, and He'll speak to you in ways you could have never imagined. He's using the Jesus music I'm filling my ears with to remind me of His truth, His love, and His faithfulness.
This semester I'm taking back my joy.
As I ask Him to speak to me, I challenge you to do the same. Music has had a grip on my heart for more years than I'd like to admit. What areas are you keeping from God? What parts of your life do you think "aren't a big deal" or "won't make that much of a difference"?
Slowly, but I'm learning.
I'm learning that life is a fight - a fight for joy. A fight to desire Christ above all else. A fight to not get distracted by temporary things.
It's easy to think little things aren't a big deal. "Well, it's just music." or "It's just a movie."
Believe me, I've been there. I AM there. For whatever reason, over the past few years, my judgment has slipped. I've neglected to realize the depth of the impact the things I watch and listen to have on my growth and outlook on life.
I'm learning. I'm learning that the music I listen to effects my attitude in more ways than I ever imagined. I think deep down I'm always known that, but didn't want to accept it. I like secular music. It sounds good. It's fun. It has a sweet beat. But by focusing on that sweet beat I've missed out on sweet moments with my sweet Jesus. I've filled my ears with the world, allowing the ideals of our culture to infiltrate my mind. And sadly, I've begun to believe them. I've bought into the culture that my worth is found in my appearance. That I'm only as good as my dress size. I've believed that my body is to be used as a weapon.
Worst of all, I haven't listened to the Spirit when it's tried to tell me these things. When my Abba has nudged my heart, showing me softly the impact these things have made on me. I wish I would have listened sooner.
So, that all being said, I'm not listening to secular music this semester. I'm asking God to speak to my heart. I'm rooting out the ways the world has gotten a hold on me. I'm cutting ties with distractions. No secular music. Not because it's inherently bad, but because it's inhibiting my ability to connect with my Savior. Giving up sweet beats for sweet moments is more than worth it to me.
Over the past week and a half I've already seen God use this. Give Him opportunities, and He'll speak to you in ways you could have never imagined. He's using the Jesus music I'm filling my ears with to remind me of His truth, His love, and His faithfulness.
This semester I'm taking back my joy.
As I ask Him to speak to me, I challenge you to do the same. Music has had a grip on my heart for more years than I'd like to admit. What areas are you keeping from God? What parts of your life do you think "aren't a big deal" or "won't make that much of a difference"?
{Be Kind. Be Intentional. Be Soft. Be Sincere.}
>> Disclaimer: I'm not saying Christian music is boring, lacking in appeal, or necessarily doesn't have a beat <<
>> Disclaimer: I'm not saying Christian music is boring, lacking in appeal, or necessarily doesn't have a beat <<
Subscribe to:
Comments
(
Atom
)
About Me
Popular Posts
-
You wake up in the morning with a smile on your face. He was the last one you talked to before you fell asleep and the first one you talk...
-
This quote is taken from the book When God Writes Your Love Stor y by Eric & Leslie Ludy on page 253. "Our Love Hungry generation...
-
Mmm. God is good. Peace comes with relief. Hugs are wonderful. Even when you're broken, and I mean - falling to pieces. When I'm a ...
-
Insecurity why do you want a piece of me? Why don't you go mess with somebody who will show, the anguish you cause. I'm s...
-
The last few months have been weird. I'm trying to find myself in ways that I don't yet understand. I'm learning how to na... -
He makes my pulse flutter. My Heart race. Butterflies in my stomache. A smile on my face. A beautiful desire, to fall at His feet...
-
I love those moments. When all you can do is simply stand in surrender to the Lord. When all you can do is lay your burdens down at the foot...
-
Sometimes it's hard to remember. I am blessed. In the midst of the crazy I easily lose sight of what truly matters. The slippery slope o...
-
God created Adam & Eve never a thought about Adam & Steve it's not how we're created sinful lust unsatiated no chil...
-
Be Careful What You Wish For Rose yawned as she checked her watch. 5 more minutes and she’d be off of work and could go home for...