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Prairie Ponderings |
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Life is out of whack, off kilter, out of balance. Ever felt like that? Or that it's time to file a missing persons report on God because you've certainly not found him in the last month or so! Cranky and crabby, we find ourselves talking to ourselves wondering where God has gone. Those overhearing the conversation may just wonder about our sanity.
It's not that we don't know God, but in the ebb and flow of life we've lost touch. It's so easy to take him for granted. Where he was once at the center of our lives, he's been moved to the periphery. There are other priorities, more pressing problems. Days turn to weeks and then it hits us: we can't find God!
W want a quick fix so we can get back to being in charge of our lives. We want the assurance that God is our co-pilot which means we're doing the flying. He's just along for the ride. But the void tells us in no uncertain terms, this is serious. And we wonder if there is a prayer of a chance of rekindling that passion, that love, that deep attch-ment we once felt for God.
Don Demaray and Reg Johnson provide us with an answer in their book Spiritual Formation for Christian Leaders. Drawing upon the E. Stanley Jones classic Abundant living the two authors provide a helpful prayer guide to reinstate Christ at the center of one's life. Their key points are:
Review your life. It happens little by little and before we know it, our focus has shifted off of God to our goals, ambitions, desires, and so forth. In reviewing your life, are you feeling spiritually week or empty?
Change directions. The authors note "Until the center of our life shifts, our changes are only cosmetic." To repent is to acknowledge our sin...including not trusting God or taking him for granted, and returning to trust him.
Shift perspective. Step back and take a look at your life from Jesus' point of view. Are there fences to be mended? Calls to be made? Things you need to follow through on? Do it.
Receive grace. As the authors wrote, "you have done what he asked, and now you trust him to do as he promised." Remind yourself of God's promises. Fill your thoughts with his affirmations, his love, his peace. Our thoughts give birth to our attitudes which influence our actions. Let your thoughts be shaped by Scripture.
Renew relationships by practicing random acts of kindness. Be attentive to the leadings of the Holy Spirit when he brings someone to mind: pray, call, offer a helping hand.
Make room for God. Spend focused time with God every day. Pray. Read the Scriptures.
Put your life in his hands. That's giving your fears over to him knowing that nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus. It's reminding yourself that you can do all things in Christ Jesus who strengthens you.
Can our love of God be rekindled? Yes, it can...if we are willing to respond to the Spirit and work through these steps.
January 2010
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