May 9th 2018 - When My Spirit Fails

May 9th, 2018 - Thoughts for your Week

 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

When My Spirit Fails

God’s word promises us that we are loved, we are saved and that He has us. I keep reminding myself of these truths but, lately, I’ve felt a bit lost. Time is moving so fast and I’m trying to keep up. Situations around me have been unraveling and answers don’t seem to be right around the corner. There have been tears and fretful moments, but also prayers because I know He hears me, I know He sees me. I have to keep trusting because I know there is no other way through it all.

Maybe you’re feeling the same? Maybe your life is moving at a quick pace and you’ve been overwhelmed with what needs to get done. Maybe you’re struggling with grief and you want to slow down but you’re feeling pressure to keep up. Maybe you’ve been battling illness and you’re tired and run down. Day in and day out, the world around us pushes us to move at a fast pace. Society dictates that we do and, if we don’t keep up, we are failing at life. “There’s no time to slow down.” But our God says the complete opposite. He says; “Slow down. Seek my face. Sit with me awhile. I can make time stand still as time is in my hands. This world belongs to me and I control everything.” The world offers us no reason to be at peace in all circumstances, but our God does. Philippians 4:7 says; “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding (all things, all circumstances), will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

In Psalm 90:12, Moses prayed for God to “teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” He understood the need to slow down and make God the number one priority in our lives in ALL things. We need to take time throughout our day to connect with Him and rest. We need to remember it’s not about keeping up with the world, but about keeping Him in the center of every moment. We need to constantly remind ourselves that even when situations are crumbling around us, we can be in perfect peace when we keep our mind on Him.

If you’re feeling frenzied or overwhelmed these days, it’s time to stop and rest; to slow down and refocus. Maybe the answer to your situation isn’t clear or isn’t coming to you as fast as you’d like – that doesn’t mean it won’t ever come. It just means you need to keep your eyes on Him. Take some time now to ask the Holy Spirit to show you areas in your life that you need to slow down or refocus your attention.

“Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you.”

-       Psalm 143:7-9

“The will of God will not take us where the grace of God cannot sustain us.”

-       Billy Graham

“The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.”

-       Psalm 28:7

Sometimes God doesn’t change your situation because He’s trying to change your heart.

-       Unknown