I realize now more than ever how the enemy is using distractions to tap my strength, anger, aggravate and throw me off course in rebuilding the walls of my life and walking in purpose in my church. In this season, The Lord is teaching me how to maintain my joy and Be Present and I must say, it isn’t easy.
There’s something to be said about pressure and being in tight squeezes that bring out either the best or worst in who you are. I’ve noticed that in this intense season in my life, we’ve been getting hit blow after blow and for each blow, I’ve been having mini revolutions inwardly, all the while, my faith is growing but my patience and tolerance is shot!!! In addition, I have 2 kids, a small 6 year old and teenager, so…….
I’ve also noticed how life’s hardships make you tough and not always in a good way. Sometimes, I can be so focused on completing a task and working to get to the finish line that I forget to loosen up and breath. Sometimes, I forget how to be mushy and fun which is who I really am. I have small moments of relaxation because I’m always so goal driven and on, I forget to slow down and be present.
I’ve also noticed how people, knowingly and unknowingly, can really get underneath your skin with silly, excuse my language, stupid stuff. When your going through a struggle, you kinda need things to go smoothly and need the help of those around you to act right, not cause trouble, be accountable, think before speaking, be considerate, empathetic and understanding especially if they know you’re going through, but with the devil, that’d be too much like right.
So, after talking to my Mommy, she helped put things in perspective for me. After seeing me become a little hyper trying to tackle some of the things I was contending with, in her words, “Take it easy…take a break…put your feet up…have a cup tea…relax.” A talk with my Mommy ALWAYS helps to calm my storms.
She reminded me how important it is to take my goal oriented work hat off and breath, it’ll all be okay in Jesus. With all the things the enemy is throwing at us, I’m missing the moment and so many things are at times, stealing my joy, but today, I’m taking stock of those things and am determined to keep my joy.
I don’t want to look back and miss the joy of learning, the joy of small blessings, the joy’s of growth because I’m so focused on fighting to get to the promise or distracted by silly things or people. I’m learning how to die to my feelings when the enemy uses people to attack, anger or offend me, somethings, if it doesn’t matter, you gotta let it go.
I have to consistently renew my mind in the word to remind me what’s important and to be present, enjoy the moment and connect with people. Some of our loved ones around us, we won’t have always, so we have to be present.
Scripture says,
Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us…
2 Timothy 2:3-5(NLT)
3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. 5 And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.
Nehemiah 8: 9-12
9 When the people heard what the Law required, they were so moved that they began to cry. So Nehemiah…told all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God, so you are not to mourn or cry. 10 Now go home and have a feast. Share your food and wine with those who don’t have enough. Today is holy to our Lord, so don’t be sad. The joy that the Lord gives you will make you strong.”
11 The Levites went around calming the people and telling them not to be sad on such a holy day. 12 So all the people went home and ate and drank joyfully and shared what they had with others, because they understood what had been read to them.”
The joy of The Lord and His Word makes us strong. We don’t have to be tossed by the waves of the sea, we don’t have to be sad or distracted, all we need to do is focus on the Word, focus on what’s important, Be Present to what’s important and rejoice, Help and Answers are on it’s way. We need to fix our eyes on the prize and relax, knowing Christ is working things out for our good as we trust in Him and throw off the thing that just don’t matter.
Continue to join me as I share with you what Christ is sharing with me about overcoming. As always, Be Encouraged, Stay Connect, Fight and Let’s Become Free Together.
Lisa Nichols – How To Release The Past To Evict Anger
Yours in Christ,
Ke’Shawn Adamson
B.O.O.M!
