Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Day In... Day Out...

Many of you know this already, but if you didn't, I am a runner.
I enjoy waking up in the early morning hours and leaving for a long run.  I have convinced myself that the morning is best, and it must be for me.  Others I meet, enjoy running in the afternoon or evening.  Not me - I am a morning runner.
Even better in the cold.

Over the years though, I have to say that there are times were my running times are better than others.  I mean, that after a short or a long run, I'll come back to the house and I may feel great.  Other times, not so much.

That is what has frustrated me.  I am sure that there is some sort of scientific explanation to this.  Why are there good runs and bad runs?  I am sure it probably has a lot to do with what I ate the day before, how I slept that night and a million other factors.

Either way, I run.

The other day I was thinking about my quiet time with God.  In true confession, I have to admit that there are times where I open the Word of God and feel like God is speaking directly to me. Almost as if His voice is audible.  On the other hand, there are times where I feel nothing.

Do you ever experience the same thing?  Sometimes the moments with God seem to be a conversation with the ceiling or the table... Empty or vacant.

I have often found that in days like that, there is a temptation to quit.  To leave the pattern of devotions because it's not working.
I mean, if God wanted me to get something out of this, then wouldn't He just show up or something?
Do I really need to be in the Word everyday?
God obviously doesn't need me.
I have a really busy day scheduled. I don't think I have much time left.
The downward spiral begins...

In running, the moment that I start making excuses not to run is the same moment that I start to lose my focus.  All my training goes out the window... The spiral begins. So I run, not to always find those good runs, but because I know it's what I should do.  What's what is good for me.

Same with a quiet time.  Our goal in them is not to continually look for those spiritual highs, but to just spend time with God.  For in our attempts for the spiritual high, we may end up losing who God is.  For He meets us, not just in those good days, but also in those bad days.

Solomon in the book of Proverbs wrote, "Those who seek me (God) diligently find me." Jesus said as recorded in the book of Matthew, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness."
 Day in and day out.  It will do your heart good.

Psalm 8-11 
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
which must be curbed with bit and bridle,
or it will not stay near you.
Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.
Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!