Day 61 – Fantasies (Joel)

Friday, I had a great day, even though it was nothing like I planned.  Nothing great happened…I even had some events that could have led to frustration (had to stop mowing the lawn 4 times, because I was overheating, work took 2 hours longer than expected, and I woke up to the cat throwing up…Edward does a great imitation, if you ever need a laugh).  It wasn’t the kind of day that you’d fantasize about - visualizing how it would go or replaying it in your mind – but this day made me think of Israel.

As with the other prophets, Joel calls Israel to repent and return to the Lord. I ask myself, “After all that He’s done for them, why are they behaving this way?”  It occurs to me that maybe the Israelites are like me and entertain fantasies.  Maybe they love God, but continue to look for someone or something better.  Gods who will bring rain on demand, shower them with gold and silver, and throw out all of the laws and commands.  Have you ever found yourself engaging in this kind of fantasy thinking?  If only I had that guy for a husband, I’d be happy.  With that car, I would look so good cruising.  If I win the lottery, I can quit my job, shop every day, and take extravagant vacations.  Why aren’t my kids more like so-and-so’s kids? 

Fantasy thinking is not always bad, but when used improperly, it’s destructive.  Fantasy thinking can be the beginning stages toward a dream or an accomplishment.  As a teen, I fantasized about having my college degree, a good job, and money to buy the things I wanted.  I visualized the outcome to motivate me through the realities of sitting in class, doing homework, and writing papers.  The problem with fantasy thinking happens when the thoughts blind us to the realities and glorify daydreams.  If fantasy thinking promotes behaviors or decisions that don’t align with God’s word, tear down the REAL people in our lives, and/or offer an unrealistic view, then it must be stopped.  When we engage in destructive fantasy thinking, we are blinded to the realities AND miss the blessings that God built-in to our real lives.

Israel was so busy chasing after false gods and self-made idols that they missed many blessings that God wanted to give and instead, endured great suffering.  They were delayed in getting to the promise land.  They were defeated, captured, and taken into exile as slaves.  They lost loved ones, land, and property.  Above all, they damaged their relationship with God who loved them, cared for them, and protected them as no other could. 

I catch myself in fantasy thinking too often, but I’ve made a conscious decision to shut down the destructive thoughts mid-stream.  There is no room for entertaining thoughts which are destructive to my well-being, my relationships, or my work for God.  This is a place that Satan can use to neutralize Christians, if we let him.  No vacancies, Satan!!!!!  Instead, I will nurture fantasy thinking which empowers me as a Christian, promotes my relationships with others, and strengthens my health and wellness. 

My prayer today:

God, help me to manage my thoughts.  Give me power over my sinful tendencies.  Open my eyes to the beauty and blessings of my life.  Focus my attention on you and not the distractions that Satan employs.  Forgive me when I falter.  Amen

1 comment July 18, 2010

Day 15 – Samson (Judges 1 – 21)

There is a lot to talk about in regards to Samson – God giving him special strength, violating the law by eating honey out of a carcass (even just touching it), wasting his God-given gift on a woman (think with your HEAD, Samson!), and asking God for a favor for the sole purpose of avenging the loss of his eyes (A.K.A. revenge on the Phillistines). (Judges 13 – 16)  All in all, Samson seems pretty self-centered!  Sound familiar?  It does to me, too.

What can we learn from Samson?  What is the take away from his story?  Here are some things that come to mind:

• Seek God’s guidance in using our gifts
• Use our gifts to glorify God, not bring others down
• Protect against worldly temptations (Delilah) which render our gifts powerless
• Be obedient to God rather than serving selfish personal desires

Samson seemed to have it all in the beginning.  He was chosen by God before birth.  He was strong and capable.  He didn’t seem to have any trouble attracting the ladies, though he made poor choices in who he entertained.  His character weakness brought him down in the end.  He did hard labor in prison, had his eyes gouged out, harbored the need to avenge, and died doing so – well, at least God granted Samson’s final request.

My prayer for today:

Lord, thank you for my gifts and talents.  Help me not to waste them foolishly, but use them for your benefit.  Let my service to you be pleasing.  Remove worldly distractions and any “Delilahs” in my life.  Amen

Add a comment May 27, 2010