Friday Fight 64 - Full Plate or Clean Slate?
Every Friday, when I wake and pray, God places something on my heart to help me fight darkness beginning in our minds. Today is FF64.
It's no secret that summer brings a season of rest, reflection, and reconstruction for me. However, when this summer began, I noticed how overwhelmed everyone was, including myself. I had to take a step back and force myself to slow down, not physically but mentally. Even while resting, so many of us search for things to do, but why? How often do we define our success by the length of our to-do lists or packed schedules?
Full Plate or Clean Slate?
When summer began, I recognized that all too often, we are defined by the things we do instead of who we are in our constant effort to define success. For some of us, success means a hectic schedule packed with things that make us feel accomplished. Busy, which means actively occupied, doesn't have to mean physically doing things; it can also refer to simply being. A good example is being intentional about self-reflection and understanding how to better ourselves: love more intentionally, speak more graciously, and serve others more efficiently.
Doing is the habit of adding to our already full plate, but being is taking time to ensure our heart is clean of those things that weigh us down spiritually. We can obtain this through prayer and being in God's presence. So rather than a packed schedule of "doing" think about replacing one day a week and just "being"; Be intentional about prayer. It allows our souls to be emptied of our intentions and filled with God's will for us.
Darkness makes us believe that being busy is better because our success is measured by what we do and accomplish. Satan will always make us feel guilty for being still. We are only defined by Christ and show our love for Him by walking in His character. However, this does not have to mean a full plate. God is more concerned with our heart's fullness, not our schedules.
Over the next few months, be intentional about working towards a clean slate and not a full plate. A heart consumed with the fullness of God is what brings us joy and peace. A busy schedule does not define us but inadvertently confines us. Break free by resting, enjoying quiet time, and taking time to notice God's beautiful creation. Do not be deceived by darkness, who wants us to be so involved in everything that we physically suffer.; Physical pain, sleep deprivation, stress, and too occupied to spend time reflecting, serving, or surrendering to God.
Pastor Shannon
Photo Credit: Abigail Tarburton