Happy Monday, friends! Yet another weekend has come and gone. Whether it was restful or filled with activities, we have safely arrived at the start of the work week. Some of us work so many hours that we grow tired by mid-week, but we continue pressing on until we are able to see that the weekend is in sight.
That cycle of highs and lows can be all-consuming — yielding little more than exhaustion and dissatisfaction unless we have a vision. Proverbs 29:18 reminds us Where there is no vision, the people perish (KJV). The Amplified version, however, speaks louder and more clearly to me.
When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. ~Proverbs 29:18
Are you running wild today? I think we’ve all been there. Go ahead and admit it. This is a judgment-free zone. I ran wild for years trying to find myself and never finishing anything I started. And then one day, I stopped running away from my small town, generational poverty, and rejection. It was when I stopped running that I realized it had all been for nought (or so I thought). Nothing is ever a waste of time with God as your GPS. The one I sought was with me all along, and knowing him has yielded confidence, freedom, and love. When we stop running away from things and people and running to the one who’s waiting on us, we can truly rest in his safety.
Again I ask, are you running wild today? Are you tired of trying to please others, competing with your siblings, or working 80 hours per week to get noticed by your boss? When, dear friend, will you stop running? Do it now. Set your sights on things that won’t perish.Seek the approval of the only one who loves you unconditionally and beckons you home even when you sin.
Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. ~ Galatians 1:10
I can’t promise you that serving God will spare you from tragedy and heartbreak, but I can assure you that knowing him and drawing closer still, will afford you the luxury and the fortitude to press on through those tough times. Before you know it, you’ll be in the home stretch, thanking God for keeping you in his tender care.
Before you leave, find a quiet place and enjoy this soul stirring Music Monday selection by Jennifer Hudson entitled I Run.
Awesome! Thanks for such wonderful words of wisdom.
Praise God! Thanks for stopping by. You know it takes all of us to win souls for Christ. I’m glad we’re on the same team. <3
Best wishes in pursuing your purpose, Saleama! <3
I am always trying to find a quiet time and place daily so I can reflect. I normally do it in my car after dropping the kids off. Serving God won’t stop things from happening but I don’t know where I would be if I didn’t served him and stuff happened!
Amen. It’s reassuring to know that he’s with us always — in the car, at the grocery store, and on public transportation. We can talk to him anytime, but the more time we carve out for him, the closer our relationship will be. <3
I think I’m running from my passion although I have no idea what it is. lol I’m clearing my head and getting ready for the unknown. Music is the best therapy.
At some point, you’ll get tired of running, and you’ll sit with yourself for a minute to discover what it is you’re passionate about. I would just start by making an “honest list” of things you enjoy doing. Revisit that list in a few weeks after noting other things that bring you joy throughout the day. I look forward to hearing about your future endeavors! <3
Great reminder! I’m so glad this year I was settled in my soul about what I needed to do.
That’s a great place to be — settled. <3 Don't get too comfy though. 🙂
Reblogged this on DREAM BIG DREAM OFTEN and commented:
Two Are Better Than One always puts life in perspective!
I had a come-to-jesus year in 2011. It was at that moment that I stop running wild and realized that I needed to let go of all of the things I thought were my security to truly work and live in my purpose.
Amen, Anitra! We hold onto so many things that bring us temporary comfort, but God has sent us a Comforter in the Holy Spirit. I’ve learned that when we clutch onto those “things” (or people), those things become our Gods. 🙁 Sounds like you’re free, Sis.
I admit I’ve been running! Time to get it together and get my perspective and vision right and focus. Great article!
Thanks, Kirstin! We all go through that phase. Sometimes fear is the motivation. Take comfort in knowing that we’ve been “wired” to do certain things well, and a close connection to our creator is needed in order to have those things revealed. I think you’re serving others with this blog. I love it!
Love this reply!
Thank you Michelle for sharing this. One of the things that I pray for every day/night is that those I love and care about will come to a place where they not only recognize their need of God, but realize the difference in knowing that God exists, is real and there with them, and not knowing or believing any of this. Lately, I’ve become more appreciative of the family that I grew up with even with all of the bad times. If God did not place me in that family, then it is possible that I could’ve grown up not knowing about God at all. That thought alone makes me so grateful that that is not the case. Your post reminded me of this, and so I thank you for another affirmation and reminder of God and his love.
Amen! God will find us in unlikely places. We all have family drama, but any family that introduces you to the Lord at an early age is a good one. Keep praying for your family members and friends. I, too, have two in particular who are lost because they don’t YET know the Lord, but I’m expecting him to break those chains and welcome them home. <3 Thanks for stopping by. <3
Im not gonna lie…sometimes I do feel like I am running wild. I have to slow down and I would like to stop running so much and start enjoying the small things and even meditate more to balance me.
Balance is key, Kiwi. Being intentional with the time we have is crucial. If I know I want to have a better relationship with God, I make time for him. The same is true for knowing yourself and your needs. Sometimes, you just need to have some alone time. <3
After my trip this summer I have been a lot more intentional about my quiet time. I also make sure that I read my devotional in the morning when I get to the office so that I can get my perspective in order and remember to know what matters the most at the end of the day.
Amen! Great way to start the day!
yes to these word of wisdom
Those who actively seek wisdom are on the right track. Thanks for the kind words. <3
Yes I often wonder why I am not more accomplished. I have always had such amazing dreams and goals but something is definitely lacking on the follow through. I am hoping for a much different 2017 with much more focus and completion.
The first thing you need to define is what “accomplished” means to you. Once you define that, set a few goals and list the action steps that will gradually allow you to accomplish those goals. Sometimes we see “accomplishments” as having what others have. That type of competitive belief won’t benefit you. Knowing what you want and knowing what you are capable of are two keys to discovering your destiny. Best wishes ! <3
Love both of these verses. These are things that I reflect on daily just to remember what my focus should be on.
As long as our focus is on pleasing God, we’re on the right track. He loves us dearly and will withhold no good thing from us. Thanks for reading, Jonna. <3
“…yielding little more than exhaustion and dissatisfaction unless we have a vision. ” Talk about insight!
Thanks, sis!