Looking back over my life in Christ, I can see many different season. Seasons where I was thriving and growing. Seasons where doors were opening, friendships were rich, my faith was like rock. And then there were seasons where I felt like the small kid in the class, the one who didn’t yet get their growth spurt while everyone else was proudly wearing deodorant and training bras .
I used to think that those seasons just came and went–I couldn’t influence them; I couldn’t change them. And, to some extent, I suppose I was correct.
Sometimes God is silent, and we are asked to just be.
But I’ve also come to realize that my choices, my daily living, has a lot to do with what my season looks like.
In the seasons where I took my relationship with Christ for granted, didn’t pursue Him, those are the seasons where I didn’t get to grow into a training bra. Those are the seasons where I didn’t see growth, didn’t feel peace, and didn’t see doors opening. He wasn’t necessarily quiet; I just didn’t listen. I had my own agenda, or was just plain lazy in my relationship with Him.
It’s in those seasons that I am mush. My relationships are lukewarm, my passions aren’t exciting, and my days feel like a monotonous grind. Only recently have I realized that I am the common denominator in those seasons. I chose not to live intentionally.
I’ve realized that intentionality is a huge part of this Christian life. Life isn’t always easy, but we can take steps to lean into Christ, making this sometimes-hard-life worth living, worth fighting for.
When we give into the mushy seasons–when we choose to watch TV all the time instead of opening our Bible; when we choose to call a friend for advice before kneeling before the Giver of all wisdom; when we choose to step out of the Church because of differences of opinions making accountability void in our life–those are the seasons when our growth is stifled. Those are the seasons when our laziness separates us from God and from others.
I’ve found that when I actively pursue my God—reading His Word, kneeling before Him in prayer, spending time with His people—those are the seasons when doors open wide, passions are ignited, and true joy is the cornerstone of my day.
He makes it so nothing can shake me. He makes it feel like I can fly. But it takes intentionality to get there.
Intentionality in our relationship with Christ takes discipline. It takes getting up a little earlier or stepping away to be alone with Him when others beckon for our attention. It takes pushing through the hard times, pursuing Him, just as He consistently pursues us. It takes determination, and it takes work. But, in the end, the reward far outweighs the time and effort. Leaning into Christ, watering a relationship with Him, is the best decision we can make. It literally transforms our life, and we are blessed ten-fold through it.
If you’re feeling mushy—like your days are pointless, He’s not answering, and growth isn’t happening–I want to encourage you to get up and run full force towards the Giver of all good.
He will not disappoint, and I promise He will rejuvenate your joy. He will bless your intentionality. Just don’t give in to the lazy life; instead, give Him your all.
Teens & 20somethings
Are you feeling mushy? What’s one thing you can do today to move out of that place?
Moms
Do you struggle with feeling like your days are pointless? If so, what can you do to get out of that mindset, especially as you consider how it impacts your daughter(s)?
Mentors
As a mentor, do you struggle in feeling like you’re investment is in a “dry” season? Take time to seek the Lord for His perspective and remind yourself of the truth!
This is a great correlation. What we put in DOES affect what we get out – of anything! Now to remember that, the next time things feel like “mush”! (Stopping by from Thrive@Home)
I love that we wrote about something so similar this week! We NEED Christ’s strength to accomplish anything–even spending time with Him. Thanks for sharing this at Thrive @ Home!