Refresh

What to do with brokenness as a believer. How do we handle the heaviness of the burden of this sinful world? What do we do when we feel there is no end in sight or that we can’t stand under the weight any longer?
                Some turn to drugs, some turn to medication, while others distract themselves with entertainment. When fully seeking after God we have only one suitable answer to this question, and it is to turn to Him and seek his presence.  But how do we practically do it.
                One of the greatest parts of my day is after I am finished at the church, and pick up the kids from day care, I settle the kids, kiss my wife, and go take a shower. This might seem odd to some that in the middle of my day I would take another shower, possibly wastefully, but it has an amazing effect. It is almost like washing off the stress of the day, cleansing my self of the worry and anxiety, and being able to be fresh for my family. Its almost a time of renewal.
                There is this amazing interaction between Jesus and the apostle Peter in John 13:1-11. On the eve of Jesus’ betrayal, he sits down with His disciples to enjoy one last Passover feast with them before his passion. During the feast Jesus stoops low and begins to wash his disciple’s feet. In this beautiful expression of humility in service, Jesus teaches another valuable lesson on dependence. Peter abruptly shouts, “You shall never wash my feet” Peters intentions were good, he didn’t understand the symbolism in what Jesus was doing. He would not allow this man he called messiah, this man he revered and loved to perform such a lowly task on him.
                Jesus goes on to explain in verses 8-10 that this continual washing was part of having fellowship with him. In verse 10 he states “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean,”
                The “bathed” that is used here describes the cleansing that Christ does at the moment of our salvation. It never needs to be repeated because our atonement is complete at that point. We are justified by His grace, (Romans 5:1;9) and the righteousness of Christ is imputed to us, (1 Cor 1:30). However, there is this daily cleansing that does need to happen, this foot cleansing so to speak. We are burdened with the heaviness of this sinful world and our own sinful flesh daily. We need the power and presence of Christ to cleanse us and renew us.
                This is the only solution; the only answer is Christ. We need this foot washing. SO how do I apply this. First and foremost, you need to be attached to the vine. Daily walking in step with the Holy Spirit.  You need to be living a lifestyle of repentance. Confessing and repenting and clinging to our savior.
Here is a list of some helpful ideas:

1. SHUT EVERYTHING OFF - Find time in your day when you can quiet everything, I know it seems tough especially when you have kids and jobs, but this is such a powerful tool. Find time when you can be alone with no distraction. Spend that time weather you carve out 15 minutes or 45 to just be still in conversation with God. When you find, you mind beginning to wander don’t give up just redirect you attention and focus back to him.
2. GET IN THE WORD- Devotionals can be a great asset, but nothing compares to spending time in God’s word. Make it a priority to spend intentional, meaningful, prayerful time in the scriptures. God’s word is mirror, it shows us where we need to make adjustment. It also renews our minds; God’s word is the source of our truth. As we prepare to go into the world its important that we calibrate our minds for action. The world, the flesh, and the devil will be hitting us from every direction so its important that you have prepared your mind for action.
3. KEEP YOUR MIND SET ON GOD- Throughout the course of your day will be many distractions. Its important to train your self to be focused on Christ even in the little tasks you preform. Weather it be data entry or house building, remaining in constant contact is vitally important. The Holy Spirit is with you always, be mindful of that. In your mind acknowledge it and remain focused on the Lord and his will.
4. PRAY, PRAY, PRAY – The apostle Paul commanded us to always pray in Ephesians 6:18 and 1st Thessalonians 5:17. This means to pray frequently and regularly. This might seem like too much of a burden, but the more you do it the easier and more natural it becomes. As thoughts arise, or after conversations pray. When you remember a loved one or co worker pray. This doesn’t mean you drop to your knees and bow your head all the time, but this does imply regular communication and submission to God and his will. You need to carve out time for private prayer as well, but this type of prayer happens throughout your day.
5. FINISH REFLECTIVLY- Finish your day reflectively, prayerfully go through your day and do an examination. See where God has blessed you and praise and thank him. See where you fell short and confess, if you have wronged someone set your mind to seek forgiveness. If someone wronged you that day, forgive them.
6. TRUST GOD AND HIS PROMISES- God has given us so many promises I can not write them all in this blog. The ones I cling to daily is that he will never leave me or forsake me, that he is with me always, and that he has given me his Holy Spirit to be with me. One day he will triumph completely over all this world, and we will be free from sin and its corruption, and until then he is leading me as a gentle Shepard until I am taken home. When I trust God and word it makes my battle a lot easier. I have more confidence and rest more easily. The weight of the world is removed from my shoulders, and I receive the fullness of joy that is found in His presence.