It’s Friday. It’s that day of the week when most of us cry
out “Thank God! It’s…” Fridays typically bring a close to the week, some
finality to the busyness of the workweek. Anticipation rises. Stress decreases.
We get pumped; we get excited at the
thought of a break, however slight it might be.
I too get excited for Fridays, but it’s for an entirely
different reason. I get excited at the possibility of witnessing lives change
and transform at Celebrate Recovery—a Christ-centered 12 Step recovery program.
My heart is moved by stories of victory over struggles.
My emotions are stirred by stories of overcoming obstacles.
I am inspired by the movement of God that takes place each
and every Friday night.
I get a sense of what church must have been like for the
early followers of Christ as detailed in the book of Acts. People come together to share their hurts, share their victories, to
build an open, honest, and authentic community. I’m so grateful that I’m
allowed to be a part of this.
Eventually the night comes to a close. Chairs are put away. Hallways
are emptied. Lights are turned off. Doors are shut and locked. Burdens are left behind.
It’s at this time I join the general consensus and cry out “Thank
God! It’s Friday!” I allow myself to relax. My mind slows down. I focus on
rest. It’s almost as if my body shuts down. I feel sore. Sometimes I ache. I
lie down in bed and truly sleep.
The busyness has passed.
A break is within reach.
I dread the weekend.
When I say that my body “shuts down” I speak of my ENTIRE
being—mind, body, heart, and soul. Discipline is thrown out as I opt to “chill”
instead of pray, get in God’s word, pray, study, pray, write, pray. It’s as if I take a Sabbath from being a
follower of Christ. I push the PAUSE button on my relationship with Jesus. I
worship rest.
Study this Book of
Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to
obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all
you do.
I don’t know about you, but I want to PROSPER, I want to experience SUCCESS in all I do. Rest
plays an integral part in my health and well-being; however, it cannot become
an idol. I cannot seat rest on God’s throne for a day. I need Him every day. I
need Him every moment. I WANT Him.
Is this just me? Am I the only one struggling with this?
Join me. Join me in making a difference in my life, in your
life, in the lives of those around us. I need to be reminded that His grace is
sufficient. He needs to be Lord of my
life, not a hobby that momentarily holds my attention.
Like I said in the beginning, “It’s Friday”; tomorrow
presents the first opportunity to celebrate a victory. Will you join me?
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