January 5, 2009
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Monday’s Bible Study Thoughts
Picking up somewhere near where I left off…
Today’s study keys on desperation. David finds himself low on hope and high on defeatist attitude. His resulting behavior is extremely out of character for this “man after God’s own heart”, but interestingly I could completely relate to it, and I’m thinking I’m not alone.
A quote I noted was:
“Beware! Long term battle can cause vision impairment if eyes focus anywhere but up!”I don’t know about you, but right about now I am feeling like I have been through some major long term battle! It’s not hard to see, either, how my vision has been impaired by allowing my focus to shift from up to over at the stress and fear and uncertainty of the journey.
How do YOU keep your focus upward in the midst of your long term battle?
An Aside:
I am currently reading the Circle trilogy by Ted Dekker, and today’s Bible study lesson rings very familiar with what the primary character (several of them, actually) is experiencing. It’s something between unnerving and somehow gratifying that I can so completely relate with this hero’s feelings and emotions and…desperation. It’s interesting to note his thought processes as he grapples with his twin realities (and all the long term battle of both–I thought I had it tough with one reality to deal with!) and struggles to please his Maker with his choices and keep from failing those he loves (not to mention his country) at the same time. It’s just a little too familiar for my comfort, which is why I’m so interested in the outcome of this last book of the trilogy. I’ll update more on that later.
Comments (3)
The thing with battles is that they have to be fought with a particular goal in mind. If we just start getting worked up and fighting without knowing what outcome we want, we are easily discouraged and defeated.
I visualize the outcome I believe I can achieve that would be within God’s will, then go into the fray looking to see where His hand is in action. This keeps me plugging along, even through the hard and dark and narrow places.
@HumbleWalk -
Good points, I was relating “battle” to just everyday living. At least for me, lately life has just felt that way most of the time.
Hello Lady Blue,
You made your site scenic and serene. I see that God is foremost in your mind as you go about your daily activities. Now is a good time! I recommend the one true God, Jehovah.
I want to help people to really get to know God, especially in these troubled times. Here is an important message for all of us from the Bible: 17 You make God tired with all your talk. “How do we tire him out?” you ask. By saying, “God loves sinners and sin alike. God loves all.” And also by saying, “Judgment? God’s too nice to judge.” (Malachi 2:17) (Message Bible)