Chasing a Mirage?

[DrRita]

Some recent developments in my own personal life have left me asking "what do you want from me Lord?" Sometimes it seems that we head in the direction we think God has pointed us only to find it wasn't that at all. Have you ever felt as though you're chasing a mirage??? Sometimes I think I'm focusing on Christ and him alone but then God reveals to me I've changed my focus to the work or my own importance in the work or whatever. Proverbs has these encouraging words which are water for my weary soul:

Proverbs 3:5-6
5)Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
6)In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.

Though I know these verses by heart as I'm sure most of you do, they still are a homing beacon to my wandering heart and mind. I think it's hardest to serve the Lord in the midst of confusion when all about us voices call like Sirens to come serve this good or that good. Evil I can spot, but it is the varieties of good that confuse me. How many out there are struggling with just BEING in Jesus without having to DO for Jesus?

[ellenjames]

Dr Rita,

A great piece of writing! Focusing on Christ is important; it is the way a Chrisitan should always live!

But sometimes we get off track, and need to remind ourselves to return our focus to Christ. That happens to everyone. When we recognize that, we can immediately get back on track. "I will never leave you, nor forsake you," says the Lord. We can get back on track because God is always there to instruct us. "It's just like His great love"!

Ellenjames

[Merry]

Excellent post, Doc!

[DrRita]

Thanks Ellenjames for those encouraging words. I am sooooo glad He is faithful even when I am not. If it weren't for God holding on the the tail of my coat, I'm afraid I'd wander off into the sunset. :(

Thanks Merry, I know you know. ;)

[Jules]

How many out there are struggling with just BEING in Jesus without having to DO for Jesus?

That's a big one for me. I always feel like I have to be "doing" something, for Jesus, for my family, for my job, and the list goes on and on........ :rolleyes:

I think this is the hardest thing in the world for me to grasp, just BEING who Jesus wants me to be. Just BEING in His presence.........

[rodojeki]

Jules,

That is one of the greatest joys I found when I began writing poetry.....it was the release for me....the expression to just "Be".....that's all Jesus expects of us is that
we just "be" who we are and in His perfect time....he refines us, perfects us.... but He
does want to hear from us.....our hearts on a piece of paper.....so just keep writing....
Thanks for the post Dr. Rita.


Blessings,
Donna

[Jules]

Donna,

That was very encouraging. Thanks. :)

[whitehawke]

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.
I had a vision once of a person walking along. Now matter where the person walked, I saw shallow holes or indents where each footstep was about to touchdown. Just before the persons foot touched the dirt, a pathing stone appeared. No matter where they happened to walk, the Lords path finally brought them home.
This was meant to be an encouragement, but I look at it now and realise it could be seen two different ways. I know what I'm trying to say, but can't seem to get the words out right, which probably means I should shut up.

[quadfather]

Doc,
I believe I know this feeling that you so aptly describe. From friends, mail, strangers, the pulpit and all over needs are being placed before us. What I have found that gives me some clarity is to remember that I owe no one anything but love. If someone is attempting to provoke a guilt response or I find myself uneasy this is not usually the Holy Spirit prompting me. We can too easily take on too much and sadly our motives are too often approval based. Stewardship begins at home and goes out in concentric rings of relationships. Itry to pour my time, attention and love around these circles and cast my bread upon the waters that witness peace with my spirit. It has so far helped me to correct some mistakes and impact some areas for God's purposes. Look for the love,peace and fruit. Be not anxious for anything.
Blessings
The Quadfather

[DrRita]

Thank you Quadfather. It's strange how you can walk with the Lord for years, know in your head the truth but still walk by the deceit of the heart on more occassions than we want. Thanks for the reminder that it is He we're to please. *sigh* !thumbsup!