I’m Baaaaaack!

December 28th, 2005

Yes, yes, yes… Thank you! Please sit down…thank you.

I know it has been a long time since I have posted here. Honestly, I have no single excuse as to the reason; rather, I suspect there are several. First, I am fairly certain this part of the year plays a roll in my change of mood. There are many events that have taken place over the past few years that make this holiday not as “merry” as it should be. Second and most important, it’s hard being a Christian! Seriously people…being closer to God definitely places a lot of mental stress on someone. I feel as if I have been tested non-stop since I began my walk with Christ and it’s very hard not to “nap”:

Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. (1 Peter 5:8, MSG)

Not that I’ve been napping but it has become increasingly harder to stay focused. Again, I believe my frustration with the holiday season has something to do with it. I’m upset how the true meaning of the Christmas Holiday has now been changed into something you would sell at Abercrombie and Fitch :

The use of “Xmas”

Why is everyone so rude and arrogant during this time of year?

Since when is it wrong to say “Merry Christmas”?

These are some big reasons of mine but one of the most important is (what seems to be) the lack of “doing” for others:

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10, ESV)

Don’t get me wrong…I found true inspiration in my own family this holiday. Even in tough times, my parents still bought gifts for less fortunate children and were always willing to help others.

Being a part of God’s family is not easy work (not like my job…ha ha, yeah yeah). On your journey with Christ, many new challenges and tests stand in your path everyday. Personally, some of the lessons I have learned from God have opened my eyes and heart, changing my views on a lot of things in the world. I used to think “how is this going to benefit me?” Now, I think “how will this benefit YOU,” which has now manifested into difficulty connecting with Christ for me:

Why, O LORD, do you stand afar off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? (Psalms 10:1, ESV), O LORD, why do you cast my soul away? Why do you hide your face from me? (Psalms 88:14, ESV)

It’s human nature of think of “self” rather than “other”. Christ is with me at all times and most likely testing my faith to see how I do. I have prayed for the past few weeks that the Lord will renew my faith through the Holy Spirit and guess what?

Behold, I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I do not perceive him; on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him; he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; (Job 23:8-12, ESV)

Entry Filed under: Life, Spritiual Study