Tuesday, September 12, 2023
My grandparents mentioned Jeremiah had come by the house to see me. It was the third time that week, but he never arrived early enough to catch me before I left the house. It was the summer of 1993, and I typically took off before 9 a.m. The fourth time was the charm, but only because I stuck around long enough to see MTV’s world premiere of Janet Jackson’s new video, “If.” I sometimes miss the days when finding someone was a game of chance. Nowadays, our locators are always on, and we check-in via social media.
I work remotely. Zoom meetings, text messages, emails, and interviews fill my days. This introvert gets exhausted, and before long, the smallest encounters with people begin to bother and overwhelm me. Finding relief after I finish a project is necessary. I tune out by shutting off. Silencing my phone and closing my Macbook are the biggest contributors to my idea of comfort.
That used to be me all of the time. People fazed me, and I responded by ignoring or avoiding them. A few days of isolation became a week. In isolation, I started feeling like someone who drinks alone far too often.
Ephesians 5:18-20
18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. 20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
During those times of self-isolation, I never read my Bible or spent time giving thanks and praise to God. I forgot that people need people. I was overwhelmed, even though nothing in particular was preventing me from moving forward. I became a wasted resource.
Thankfully, God didn’t forget about me. Like the lyrics from “Thank You” by Maverick City, “You sang ‘til I found my song. You danced ‘til my heart woke up.”
I finally began to understand that too much work consumed me. The fix: I stopped accepting every project offered to me and instead began to take personal time. I also learned that I needed the right people to help energize myself.
Things like singing worship music, leading a family game night Group, and chatting with friends and meeting new people while serving as a Lobby Host really fills my tank. These times help me feel less consumed in my everyday life while adding more positivity to my cup.
Questions:
What do you reach for when you’re fazed or frazzled? Do you recognize when the thing you’ve turned to for relief becomes your crutch?
Next Steps:
Start your day in praise and thanksgiving by reading a devotional, thanking God for giving you another opportunity, or listening to your favorite spiritual, uplifting music. Try out the new CedarCreek app to share what you’re grateful for and to see how you can pray for others.
Prayer:
God, I am grateful for the blessings I have received. I apologize for allowing distractions to occupy my time when I’m fazed and overwhelmed instead of recharging myself by giving thanks for everything you continue to bring me through. I’m weak when my thoughts place you behind me, strong when I keep you beside me, but I’m at my best when I keep you in front of me. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
John 14:26
But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.
This post was written by Jaron Camp, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.