Chad, like many other husbands out there, can usually tell when that special time is approaching. Except in this case, that’s not the issue.
Then I check to make sure I’ve taken all my medications. Yup.
Next I think that I must not be praying enough or reading enough. Though there may be some truth to that, God is definitely not making me grumpy and easily irritable because I’m not fulfilling my prayer or reading quota.
It was in church this morning that I realized it doesn’t matter why I’m in the mood I’m in. Yes, knowing if there is an underlying issue that needs dealing with may be in order. Especially if this does not go away shortly. But the only real answer to my negative attitude is Jesus.
As I was listening to Chad preach out of the book of Acts, a few key points hit me:
1) We HAVE to be connected to God.
Chad read the passage in Acts where Jesus ascended into Heaven and sent down the Holy Spirit in His place. Jesus knew that we couldn’t live the Christian life by ourselves. He isn’t going to leave us hanging high and dry. It’s our responsibility to make sure we stay connected to God. This is vital. It’s like needing oxygen to breathe.
2) God gave us a family. It’s called the Church.
I love the passage in Acts 2:42 – “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” The followers of Christ were devoted to each other. The dictionary defines devoted as “characterized by loyalty”. This means that we should have each others’ backs. We have people who need us, and we need them. I tend to let pride get in the way of this, and don’t ask for help when I need it. God showed me through that scripture that I need to be devoted and loyal to this family – because we need to pray for and love each other. Because again, God did not mean for us to live this life alone.
3) Each of one of us has a purpose.
As a mom, I struggle with this one a lot. There have been many days I’ve felt like all I do is wake up, go to work, come home, make dinner, do laundry or housework, put kids to bed, and go to bed only to do the same thing over again. As Chad was reading, another scripture jumped out at me – “so those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41). Did you catch that? 3000 people!! That is HUGE!! And I don’t think those three thousand souls were added to God’s family that day because the apostles were disgruntled and ornery. God is the one who saves, but He chooses to use us to tell others about Him.
4) No matter what happens – God is who He says He is.
We sang the “New Doxology” yesterday. It’s a beautiful song proclaiming the praises of God from people, nature, and the heavenly beings. It’s a song that boldly underlines the fact that God is strong, all-powerful, loving, tender-hearted, and cares deeply for each one of us. I needed to hear that. I needed to be reminded that no matter how I feel or what is happening that God is Almighty. With that truth in the forefront of my mind, everything else pales in comparison.
After trying to figure out why I’m in such a sour mood these days, I realized I needed to stop focusing on ME, and focus on my connection to God. My relationship with God. If this was just another task that I had to check off my “to-do” list, I would not be thrilled. Who wants one more thing to do these days? Communicating, serving, and waiting for God’s leading is something I get to do.
And just like you, I’m learning to enjoy this process. Quite frankly, there are times I despise this process. And I know after you’ve read this post, I probably would have already complained about something, bringing the focus back to my bad hair day, my children who won’t let me use the bathroom in peace, or Chad’s offer of help that I take as a criticism to whatever I’m doing at the moment. Thank God that His grace is more than sufficient for us. And it’s even more than sufficient for “that time of the month” too. 🙂
Living With Real Joy 