Do you get those feelings that you’ve missed it? Or worse, blown it? That all you’re currently doing is marking time and or languishing somewhere at the back of a very dusty shelf? It may not be depression or melancholy you are experiencing, but there is a tangible and distinct feeling of disquiet and restlessness. I finally had to face the fact that perhaps my ‘problem’ was that I really didn’t have a problem. Silly? Not. We can get to the point that our ‘lifestyle’ is one of being in battle so that when there is a pause, a respite we are without anything to contend with/against. Thus… we don’t know what we should be doing.?! Possible? Yes. Weakness? Maybe.
Most plausible. But, basically, deep down, that, my friends, I would argue, is the result of a longing to be home… as in Home in Heaven. For me, it descends every once in a while not necessarily heralding anything in particular but reminding me that this world is not my true home. That I am a representative. right where I am, with responsibilities but that it really is only a temporary residence for a finite amount of time. I really should be about my Lord’s business while there is time.
Don’t misunderstand… I do love my life (for the most part) and have all the critical components (basic needs met, family, friends, and most importantly – a mission) – I am not longing for death. But I’ve discovered that you can long to be someplace else, Home, without desiring to abandon life. I’ve adhered to the scripture, “…it’s appointed for each man a time to die…” (Hebrews 9:27) and I really am not seeking my day/time, yet… Typically I react to me in these times with a shrug and try to move on.
Years ago when I was a golf addict my brother said something that ended up being a tag line of mine in a variety of areas. He said, he tried to take the attitude that if a shot he made wasn’t his best or didn’t do what he wanted… it was only a shot – it didn’t need to be the entire game. (paraphrased). Wise, yes. (Not a question)
I do try and live by this standard – sometimes better than other times. One of the greatest verses for me became/is:
“For we do not have a High Priest (Jesus)who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin.” (Hebrews 4:15, AMP)
My answer to my time of ennui – recognizing that my Lord DOES recognize these feelings and is the one to turn to. We don’t need to wallow in these times but we can overcome and go beyond them because He knows and understands. Now couple that verse with 1 Corinthians 10:13 AMP
“No temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance]; but God is faithful [to His word—He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability [to resist], but along with the temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and will overcome temptation with joy].
How’s that for a 1-2 punch! Standing on these 2 scriptures provides me with an unshakable foundation. Your answer to your times may be different – find scripture(s) that are foundational for you and that you can lean on to go beyond… ennui.
