I wish there was a warning when you signed up for The World Race. A disclaimer with your acceptance:: “racers may experience loneliness, distraction, and vicious attacks by the enemy determined to steal your joy.”
on loneliness::
I live a majority of my life alone in hotel rooms. Ninety-seven percent of my relationships are with others on the road, friendships built around the understanding that though we may not see each other often, we are bound together. Being alone is not uncomfortable for me. I make restaurant reservations for one all the time. After a long run on the road with venue reps, well meaning volunteers and fans, I find the quiet comforting. But not this weekend… this weekend I feel abandoned. The Word reads stale to me, and my prayers seemed scattered, and miniscule in comparison to the needs of our country right now.
on distraction::
Our world race squad has a Facebook group. Squad members can post questions, prayer requests, interesting reads etc. on the wall. In an effort to retain the anonymity of squad members and to respect their personal lives I won’t write much on this topic. But rather, I request your prayers as we are faced with trials of this world. Loss, sickness, bitterness, financial needs and lost employment opportunities plague our wall of prayer requests… ((oh! and my squad mates have faced trials of their own!))
This sweet season of advent ought to be a time of celebration and preparation, but Satan is cunning and has used people, words, sin, and hurt to distract me.
In the past 24 hours:: I have been preoccupied and missed opportunities to pour into volunteers. I have been distant and spoken shallow words of support to a friend. I have used sarcasm to hide hurt. I’ve gone about my day unintentionally. I have believed the deceiver's lies of unworthiness and shame.
on joy::
When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you.
Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalms 73:21-26)
Joy seems unrealistic this week. I have been embittered, insensitive and oblivious toward God and have allowed my loneliness and distractions to steal my joy. How many times must I learn to find who I am in Christ? How many reminders do I need that my source of fulfillment is Christ alone?
