The same ol, same ol neat trick

This morning I felt empty of Gods presence in my life and bored with the same old routine. Doing the same thing day in and day out.

I believe this to be another method of satan putting a wedge between God and me.

Instead of thinking of seeking some material pleasure to fill the void I had a short sincere talk with God. “Father, I feel an emptiness in my life, like I want something exciting to kill the boredom. I know to submit to this desire will ultimately lead me away from You. Father, I don’t want some short term pleasure. I don’t want to stray from You for one moment. I want to be content in Your loving arms."

Then a picture of Jesus hugging me and smiling entered my head and there was a warm tingling in my heart. As I continued reading the morning reading of Christian literature this quote stood out to me.

If Christ does not reign over the mundane events in our lives, He does not reign at all." — Dr. Paul Tripp

That was Gods answer to me.

We all go through our mundane periods.

Many times when you try to fill the void it will give you short term pleasure but a longer term pain. Think if you go out and make a fool of yourself getting drunk. Not only do you have a hangover the next morning, but you have to face people who saw your shameful exhibition the next day or at work. Yeah it’s wild and fun for a one night stand, but how much fun is it having to live with STD for the rest of your life because of it. Oh such happiness when going on a shopping binge. How much joy is there when you get the credit card bill?

Instead of trying to satisfy our need with physical methods (the way of the devil) just talk heart to heart with God.

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:13-15

I am not saying going out for say a movie and lunch or a trip to the beach or going visiting friends or family is wrong. What I am saying is that do not allow that to take the place of Jesus.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8: 38-39

You will fill me with joy in your presence Psalms 16:11

When those times of feeling bored, unsatisfied or that what you are doing is unimportant to Christ (and they will), may I suggest you have Scripture verse written out confirming Gods love and purpose for you. The joy you experience in your relationship with Him. Talk with God about it and then have your favourite praise song handy and sing it with all your heart. You may be surprised how fast satans little con job disappears from your heart like a puff of smoke from a firecracker.

"Next to faith this is the highest art -- to be content with the calling in which God has placed you." Martin Luther

Prayer: Holy Spirit please help me in those mundane times to remember Jehovah, Jesus and Your love for me and the fulfillment that comes from serving You in even the tiniest mundane things. I ask this in Him who served us in great and little things,Jesus Christ.

Amen.

May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day.