How do you approach time spent in the Word and in prayer?
I am ashamed to admit that I often view it as a necessary item on my to-do list
for the day rather than the joy that it is.
Just last week I started a diet in the hopes of setting a
good example for my kids and hopefully getting healthy enough to, Lord-willing,
have one more baby.
One thing has struck me hard. Throughout the day, not
indulging in goodies hasn't been too difficult – until I’m stressed. As soon as
the kids are talking back to me or (in today’s instance) squeezing toothpaste in
swirls all over the bathroom counter; as soon as Josh and I have a
disagreement; as soon as I snap at someone and feel instantly guilty or as soon
as I feel downright overwhelmed by the task at hand – the temptation to give in
and eat a treat is almost unbearable.
If I could just eat a chocolate bar, or drink a can of
pop or munch on a muffin – surely I would feel better! Surely the happiness from
that cookie would give me the strength to get to the next phase of the day!
Thankfully, God has given me the grace to resist, but the
experience is incredibly eye-opening.
I looked up the definition of indulge today. This is what it means: allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of. Now, food is delicious and
surely something that God has created for our pleasure, but this diet is
reminding me that it’s not the ultimate pleasure.
There is not one temporal thing that can be indulged in
which brings the pleasure that Christ does. Serving him isn't a chore – an item
on the to-do list. It’s a delight.
Imagine that feeling of happiness that comes from your
favorite treat magnified by the greatest number in the universe. The pleasure that
Christ brings is greater still.
Sure, being a Christian isn't a walk in the park. In
fact, I’m convinced that it’s much more difficult than living in the dark. But
what it is is a life full of the glory and goodness and grace of Jesus Christ.
On Easter Sunday, the pastor of the church that we were
visiting said something just before communion which blessed me richly. Through
tears, while holding the cup in his hand, he said, “Just think. Each sin –
every single sin that you have committed or will commit had the consequence of
death. And Christ paid that consequence for you. Yes, God will discipline and
chastise you so that you, his child, will grow, but there is NO CONDEMNATION because
of what Christ did. That price is paid in full.”
It’s funny how sometimes you hear the same truth that you've
heard over and over your entire life and yet it hits you in a fresh way. I was
amazed anew at the wonder of Christ’s work on the cross and filled with a
passion to live with joy for the One who paid such a price to redeem me.
Indulge seems like such a bad word, doesn't it? However,
I’m on a new mission to indulge in Christ – to truly take pleasure in him.
Imagine if we turned to the Word and to prayer as often as we turned to piece of
banana loaf. That may sound foolish, but I’m realizing how often I foolishly
turn to the temporal in the hope of finding what can only be found in Christ
Jesus.
Not for a second am I condemning food or relaxation. God
has created nature, food, our ability to enjoy books and art and so many other
things as a way to be renewed and to praise him. But, personally, I am
convicted to indulge in the Word and in prayer as a delight – as a way to take
joy in my Creator and to turn to him first as the greatest of all pleasures!
After all:
The steadfast love of the Lord is better
than life.
~Psalm 63:3
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