As I prayed this morning, I asked what He would have me blog about. And when I closed my eyes I found myself in the middle of a very busy mall; people were rushing everywhere and no one looked happy to be there. As I stood in the middle of the chaos, I was a bit sad and overwhelmed for every person who passed by. After that I feel like He said to me, “You’re only seeing what’s happening in the physical.” And as soon as the words hit my ears, I saw the crowds in a different way. They all had, what I could only imagine were, really heavy chains draped over their shoulders and around their necks, weighing them down. Some chains were attached to their watches; some to their to-do lists; and even some to the shopping bags in their hands. Then I became even more sad and overwhelmed for them. I wanted to stand up and shout over a loud speaker what was actually happening to these people, unbeknownst to them.
He told me that my “loud speaker” and “platform” would be this blog. So I have to shout it out: THIS IS WHAT’S ACTUALLY HAPPENNING! DON’T BE WEIGHED DOWN ANY MORE BY THE BURDEN OF THIS SEASON!
Take a moment as you read this to take a deep breath in. As you breathe out, focus on relaxing your shoulders. Let them drop toward the floor. If you noticed a big change, you probably have spiritual chains weighing on you.
When Jesus was visiting Mary, Martha and Lazarus in Bethany, He was reclining and teaching. Mary sat at His feet absorbing every word and relaxing with Him. But Martha was caught up with all the things that ‘must be done.’ When confronted about it, Jesus said of Mary, “She has chosen what is right and it will not be taken from her.” Life goes on even when we stop.
“But if I don’t do these things, who will? How will people eat if I don’t cook a meal? How will people feel loved if I don’t get them gifts?” All those are valid questions. But here’s another one we probably never ask, “What’s the danger of not stopping during this season?” I mean, what am I forfeiting by not stopping and not resting? If I subject myself to my schedule, I’m a slave to it. I don’t HAVE to do any of those things. You don’t HAVE to either. You’re free!
Take a moment, on the eve of this Christmas, to sit at His feet. Let the busyness go on around you. Feel His peace wash over you. Don’t be a slave to your schedule, the season, serving others, or even giving! You’re free from all those things and they were never intended to weigh you down. Be free! That’s what this season is really all about! When you stop the chains fall off!
