I’ve been in a funk. It began about six months ago as a foggy, shell-shocked feeling that I haven’t since been able to shake.
I’m not referring to a season of depression or even a lingering state of mild melancholy … just more or less out-of-sorts.
It makes sense. My funk. After all, 2012 has been an eventful year for me and my family. I lost my job. Found a new one. Moved … again. And most recently, I began a brand new job (my second one since the layoff).
Even though each event — even the toughest ones — brought innumerable blessings,the sum also has left me feeling spiritually and emotionally fatigued.
Until recently, I adopted a “roll-with-the-punches mindset” and had been ignoring those tiresome, dreary blahs. While I didn’t shut God out of my life during the recent changes, I didn’t invite Him to step closer either. I felt as though I was too busy to read more scripture. Too busy for encouraging words. Too busy to even take time to plan for the days ahead.
The more I trotted forward at my own pace, the heavier life felt.
Recently, I was reminded that I actually need to fit more into my crammed life. Not more items on my to-do list, but more of Jesus. More of His word. More encouragement from other believers.
The more truth and “good stuff” that pervade my days, the less burdened I feel. The fog has lifted and I am emerging from this sleepy funk.
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Linda Stoll says
Oh yes … that Jesus Calling book has been the only devotional I’ve used consistently week in, week out. Ever! And I’ve been around a long time!
I named it one of the 10 Books I Reference For Daily Life
http://creeksideministries.blogspot.com/2012/07/10-books-i-reference-for-daily-life.html
And I can’t wait to pick up her newest volume.
Blessings to you, Angela, as you continue to move through all the stuff from this year. May 2013 be stellar for you!
Gianna says
OH, I like this. But you aren’t really fitting him into your crammed life.
You are doing life WITH Him.
Melissa says
I totally understand what you mean!!! 2012 has been a rough year for me. It honestly has been one trial after another to the point that I truly feel like I’m just surviving my life. I reach out to Him and there is hope, but it doesn’t stop the trials from coming. I’m just praying I learn what He wants me to learn from all of this. Thank you for sharing your story. It’s nice to know that someone else has been where I am.
Kim Witman says
You blog described me. Thank you and I appreciate your words of wisdom.
Eileen says
Thank you for your post the beginning explains just what I had felt for a long time, it was not depression, but shell shock. When events take place in succession, relentless, one does not have time to recover from one before another hits. It is spiritual off-balance, equilibrium skewed; one needs time to catch their spiritual breath. The thing is, I was fitting more of God in when all this hit and even after. I just felt like the one the disciple asked Jesus about, whose sin caused the man to become blind, his or his parents. Jesus replied, neither, it was for the glory of God.
So often like the disciples, people assume it was sin that caused the chronic illness and all the other things that happen relentlessly to a select few.
God chooses to show His glory in the helping hand of the Christian. God knew that humanity would supply plenty of those in need, even Christians, per the book of Act and them coming together to supply the needs of others. Sometimes as in this case of the blind man, it was to show God’s glory in the deity of Christ to heal miraculously. However, other times it is for the faith muscles of others to be stretched, reacting in kindness and generosity.
Mother Theresa stated, “I know God will not give me anything I cannot handle. I just wish He did not trust me so much.”
Christine says
I smile when I look at the picture of the book Jesus Calling. I was given that book as a gift by a friend in Florida (I live in Arizona). It is amazing and has helped me in so many ways. It sits on my desk. Sometimes I miss a day or two and then have to catch up but I also read the months which I have not read yet. (I only received this for my birthday which was in May, so I haven’t read January to May 24th yet but parts of them when I have finished reading the current days.) I would recommend this book to everyone and pay attention to the introduction.
Beth Williams says
We all need more of Jesus, especially in the tiresome weary days. Lately my life has been blah, tiresome busy & stressful. Work super busy, dad & mom-inlaw ill. Feel like I’m on a constant treadmill or merry go round and want off–Want to just rest & not rush somewhere!
Give me rest & peace dear Lord!
Katy says
Wow….I’m in this very same place right now, not focusing enough on God and too much on other things….thank you for the reminder as to where I should really place my priorities and how much better that will be! Thanks! Blessings!