Does anybody have that one song they instantly go to when there’s not much stirring around in the brain? Or maybe you have that one song that you keep on your iPod that might be a little embarrassing but deep down you think it’s a great song? (mine would be “The Ping Pong Song” by Enrique Iglesias, man that song gets me jacked up) Anybody else brave enough to post theirs?
It’s really funny how the brain works right? I like to think I have great taste in music and my mind really gets hooked on a song and it stays in my head for a week or two at a time. But there is one song that I go back to every time my mind is empty, when there is no awesome melody floating around up there! Now this is a little embarrassing and I’ll throw some disclaimers a little later on, but the go to song for me when my mind is blank is “Thank You For Being A Friend”. That’s right the theme to “The Golden Girls”, can’t even tell you who sings it and it’s not, nor will it ever be on my iPod! Now I promise, believe me if you will, I have seen that show maybe twice in my entire life… I am not a die hard fan and have no idea where this came from but ever since high school this has been an reoccurring incidence. We’re talking millions of incidences, often it starts as a small whistle or a hum and then BAM right back into it, there is no telling when it happens, but it happens!
Now I say that to say this, this past week has been a survival week for me. It has been pretty good but as far as time spent with God and setting that time apart, I have been in survival mode! It is crazy how much time you can spend focusing on ministry and not take the time to grow yourself spiritually.. I mean I have daily Bible readings and even preached at church on Sunday and these things have been an awesome addition to my week, but it is not enough anymore. Back in the day it would have led me to think, “man, I am doing good!” But now my soul yearns for more, not just routine but intimacy!!
This is where I get to say, “Thank you God for throwbacks!” Now a throwback, like that horrible song, is something that I instantly go back to check myself or take me to a place where I can surrender.. Ex. something that brings me back to a sense of reality or purpose, “a bike ride through some hard packed singletrack, picking around on guitar, hanging out with friends, shooting hoops or the basics; quiet time and SCRIPTURE!” These are all places that I find God and can connect with Him! I can say, “I see you Big Man, doing awesome things for someone that does not deserve any of this..” It is surreal, but this is God’s sovereignty!
So here it is, this was my check during the past few days.. You all know it!
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all ways ACKNOWLEDGE HIM and He will make your paths straight.”
That’s right an oldie but a goodie, I guess you could really say that about the Bible.. But that is besides the point!
I can recite this all day, but until I took the time to really look deep into it.. I did not really get it! I can think to myself that most of the time this verse is true to me, but this past week I have missed a key ingredient. Maybe you caught it? I put it in gold cause that is what it is, pure gold!
“Acknowledge Him”! Not some of the time or in some ways but ALL the time in ALL ways. Can you imagine if this were really true for us? We would not worry, stress, fear, be stagnant, the list is endless! God has shown me, I don’t get it but He does! That’s why it is important to redirect our focus from ourselves to Him.. Simple but complex at the same time! This is what I decided to go to during the last couple days and like this many other scriptures are my throwbacks, they have been, they will be and I pray I have the courage to go to them with an open heart and mind!
We have a great and winding journey ahead of us, but by acknowledging Him; He is going to lead us to places and events beyond our wildest dreams and that winding road is going to point straight to Him! I know this is true because He tells us so.. Jesus Party right?
So what are your throwbacks? The Bible tells us in Psalm 119: 9-11, “9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” We need to have throwbacks to hide in our hearts for the time that we need them to face the enemy.. It is important and it is essential!
I hope and pray that everyone is having a great week and acknowledging Him.. Hope everyone’s support raising is unleashing God and gear searching is going well! Things are getting more and more real by the day.. =]
Jesus Party,
Thomas
DISCLAIMER: The song in the video below contains little ninjas that attach themselves to some part of your brain that gets stirred up with inactivity… Don’t say I didn’t warn you!!! I can’t stand it, but maybe it will bring you some joy!
