Monday, February 4, 2008

Sick House

I am sick of being in a house full of sick people. Nick brought home the flu from a YL ski trip. He then passed it to Meg (because he cuddles her so much.) Then Ashlyn caught it, next Kenna and now I wait questioning every small thing going on in my body.

But this home full of sickness and cabin fever and modiness has me thinking about how sick we are in our natures. I swallow vitamins to help me fight off the germs. I drink orange juice as an act of defense. If I get this bug, I get it and I know I've done all I can to fight it.....including choosing to lay around feeling lazy instead of working out just to save my energy for fighting off the possibility of getting sick.

So, back to our natures. They aren't going anywhere until we enter the Kindgom of Heaven. We live with these natures. In the same way that I do preventitive actions to help fight off the flu, I need to daily equip myself for the war that I have within. I have been so downtrodden with my attitude about life. I have a negative attitude that I can't shake. I'm in the Word daily, so what's wrong?

Well, the gentle and ever-loving Holy Spirit reminded me that I am not praying enough. Sure, I shoot out darts of "Help me, Lord. I can't do this. I need You." And I truly do that all day long. That had me believing that I was praying without ceasing. But, The Holy Spirit allowed me to see the flaw in calling that "Prayer."

Oh Lord, I want to talk to you as much as I do my Mom and my blog. I want to turn to You first and foremost. Help me talk to You instead of shout out pleas for help. Thank you for being more patient with me than I am with my children. Help me to parent my children with the grace and mercy that you parent me. May my prayers be immune boosters to my weary soul.
Amen.

7 comments:

jennyhope said...

oh sweet Rachel I hear your cry here. Thank you for your comment. also, about groundhogs day! LOL I have quoted that a million times! My friend just sent me this in an email and I thought you may like it.
Substantial and Dependable
"When all visible evidences that He is remembering us are withheld, that is best. He wants us to realize that His Word, His promise of remembrance, is more substantial and dependable than any evidence of our senses." C.G. Trumbull

"Groanings which cannot be uttered are often prayers which cannot be refused." C.H. Spurgeon

"Beware in your prayer, above everything, of limiting God, not only by unbelief, but by fancying that you know what He can do. Expect unexpected things, above all that we ask or think. Each time you intercede, be quiet first and worship God in His glory. Think of what He can do, of how He delights to hear Christ, of your place in Christ; and expect great things." Andrew Murray

Mimi said...

Dear Rachel,
Maybe this is a time to pull out the 5 P's.............over and over. Say them out loud, even to the girls. get them to praise God with you, in the midst of the hard time!!
I love Jenny's comments and her quotes.
Don't worry about those quick prayers. Spurgeon also said, "When you feel like praying, PRAY!! When you don't feel like praying, PRAY!!

Chelle said...

First of all, hope everyone gets well soon and that this bug passes you over completely. Secondly, whatever is in your heart to do concerning time with God, however that may look, do it. He is good, very very good. :)

Kimberly said...

Rachel...
I've been going through the exact same thing in our house. We have had a bug that has lasted a long time, but I have so far avoided. Thanks for giving me some food for thought as I deal with cabin fever, also.

Emily said...

"May my prayers be immune boosters to my weary soul."

Love that...I have been thinking along the same lines today, about prayer. Seems hard to slow down enough to really talk with God without the instant gratification that I get from people, blogs etc... Thanks for your honesty, praying for you now...

shanna said...

I just want to say that I have been having morning Treasure Times for the past 35 days :) This time includes listening to worship on my IPOD...writing to Him in my journal...praying and reading my bible. It has been years since I have done this consistently and it has taken my relationship with God (and my husband, boys and others) to a deeper more intimate level. (the worship/prayer time is my favorite).

I am praying this for you sweet friend. He loves you so much and desires intimacy with you above all things!

Oh..and my mammaw will be watching our 8 year old on Thursday mornings so I can come to bible study. YEA! See you then!

~just me~ said...

Amen! i'll agree with that prayer!