Too Busy

[JM]

When I first joined the Baptist church I was warned by those in my former church (some ex-baptists) that I'd be so busy with church functions that my personal spiritual growth would be lack. Recently, I found this to be so, in a way. (I don't blame the Baptist church at all, I blame me the sinner.) I've found that I'm so busy with everything that I hardly have time to sit and rest in the Lord. I went from reading the word with love to just reading the word, it's so mechanical..anyone else have this happen? I've been saved for a while now and it's never been like this before.

Pouring my heart out,

SP

 

[Agape4u]

I haven't experienced this, but I have seen it in our church. There seems to be a shortage of people who want to minster. I've learned to not spread my self too thin and have what you described happen.

 

[Blazin4Christ]

this can happen to many people, just pray God will direct you, God is always by your side, and he has not moved, you need to just go back to Him,

 

[aReformedPatriot]

Yep. We sometimes get quick to work for God when all he really wants is true praise and worship. He will provide us with work to do. It sounds to me as if your allowing the work of men to influence your devotion to God. Rest in God, and he wont overburden you so much as that you wont have time to be with Him.

 

[SonOfThunder]

When I first joined the Baptist church I was warned by those in my former church (some ex-baptists) that I'd be so busy with church functions that my personal spiritual growth would be lack. Recently, I found this to be so, in a way. (I don't blame the Baptist church at all, I blame me the sinner.) I've found that I'm so busy with everything that I hardly have time to sit and rest in the Lord. I went from reading the word with love to just reading the word, it's so mechanical..anyone else have this happen? I've been saved for a while now and it's never been like this before.

Pouring my heart out,

SP

Thankyou for saring that post. Sometimes I thought I was the only one going through the mechanics of a spiritual life. It is refreshing to know others do the same.

Jehovah God said this for very good reason. "Be still and know that I am God" He knows our failings and our ways.

When I was with a congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, our week would be so busy with 5 meetings a week and several hours of 'field work' (door knocking) that sometihing had to give. Study and school still demanded time and the all important appearance of attendance adn field work also had to be fitted in. One day I found that I crouched in the back of the hall to read ahead of the service and hastily come to a conclusion in order that I could raise my hand and contribute through the microphone to the rest of the congregation my 'expert Biblical knowledge' when Jehovah made me stop short and take stock at what I was doing.

HE (Jehovah God) came last. Time to change and repent. It took ages for me to drop the rat race habits and make myself right with God. I posted that Scripture on my bathroom mirror and asked Him to help me 'be still'.

Life and ministry can get very busy, I will pray for you in this area.


James

 

[Andyman_1970]

Look at how many time in the Gospels Jesus gets by himself in a solitary place to pray - Luke used the word "often". He even left towns where there was more work to be done to go rest and get away *gasp*.

Sometimes we hear "God is now our Sabbath rest".......that's a load of hooey!!! God gave us a pattern to live, Jesus not only taught how to live in harmony with God (salvation) He also taught us the best way to live. I believe that God set fouth a rhythm to how we are to live - 6 and 1 - work 6 days rest 1 day.

The notion that God or Jesus is our Sabbath rest (when the plan has been already outlined as to the rhythm we are to live) has led more than one lay church worker to burnout (me included). God did not intend for us to work 40-60 hours a week, then go mow the church lawn on Saturday and rake leaves for 6 to 8 hours, then spend 8+ hours (teaching/ministering/working) at church on Sunday.

 

[Bible2]

"...one thing is needful..."

-- Luke 10:42

 

[SumTinWong]

The Baptist church is a busy church. I agree and I cannot wait until vacation so I can go to church in peace

 

[ZiSunka]

I hear ya on that! I recently realized that I'm so busy doing for Christ that I haven't spent any time just being with Him or listening to Him or really, even praying with Him.

 

[C.I. Scofield]

When I first joined the Baptist church I was warned by those in my former church (some ex-baptists) that I'd be so busy with church functions that my personal spiritual growth would be lack. Recently, I found this to be so, in a way. (I don't blame the Baptist church at all, I blame me the sinner.) I've found that I'm so busy with everything that I hardly have time to sit and rest in the Lord. I went from reading the word with love to just reading the word, it's so mechanical..anyone else have this happen? I've been saved for a while now and it's never been like this before.

Pouring my heart out,

SP

Well, My brother, do yourself a favor. Take some time off, smell the roses. Spend time in the Word, Daily. This is what I had to do. and you know what? I've never felt better. I know what you're going through. I've been there. take my advice. you'll be glad you did.

CIS

P.S. There is nothing wrong with "Downtime".... Even the greatest of Preachers, need that Spiritual recharge.

 

[SumTinWong]

I hear ya on that! I recently realized that I'm so busy doing for Christ that I haven't spent any time just being with Him or listening to Him or really, even praying with Him.

I got that conviction as well. My dad says when you are doing the Lord's work remember who the Lord of the work is.