Empty Things Are Easy

Yesterday the family and I ventured out together for the first time in a long time.  I have had Mono and Walking Pneumonia, so going out has been out of the question.  I needed a new paperback bible, and our dog needed a kennel so we decided I would go with them.  I wanted to see the colors of the Virginia autumn splendor so bad as well.  I was so glad I went.  Everything was beautiful.

We got the bible, all new,ready for me to read, and make notes in until, it too, falls apart like the others.  Lately, though, when I have tried to read, falling asleep is instantaneous.  Fighting the flesh to stay awake is extremely hard.  I even have gotten into the habit of not taking my Fibromyalgia meds just so I won’t get sleepier, but then I have to deal with pain, so what is a girl to do?

I began to wonder today why I don’t seem to fall asleep as easily when I am watching a movie, or crocheting, or having a conversation.  I think it is because these are empty things. They have been so tempting to me lately.  It has been hard to fight off the temptations to stray from studying the Word, doing school work, reading, or writing.  Exhaustion has just been easy to give into. When doing the other things I don’t have to fight so hard. So I have just stopped fighting.

Why is it soo easy for us to follow after what doesn’t fill us up, but when it comes to what does fill us up there is a struggle?  I don’t remember eating ever being hard, do you?  The answer is that there is a war going on that is being fought against our very souls.  Starving us physically would be great for the enemy, but spiritually works best for him.

What is even worse, is that we are sheep that go so easily astray after empty things.  We can spend our spare time on Facebook, a talk show, a hobby, or some other fleeting activity when we need to be filled spiritually.  Eventually we find we are farther gone than we intended.  Can you say BAAAAA?

The great thing is we have a Shepherd who is gentle with us.  He comes to find us when we stray.  He wants our repentance for running off, but accepts us right back into the fold, and gives us all we need with tender loving care.  He starts by filling us up with what is everlasting.  I sure am glad He is there to guide us back to where we belong!  Otherwise, I’d spiritually starve, how about you?

20 Then Samuel said to the people, “Do not fear.  You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. 21 And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing.  22 For the LORD will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you His people.

1 Samuel 12:20-22 NKJV