Distracted, Discouraged, Disabled
Since returning from Chicago I’ve got to be honest with you – it has been hard for me to focus on very much. Even important things, like getting my class readings done, writing posts on this blog, and finding inspiration in my prayer life have just simply not had the same energy attached to them like they normally do. At one level, it might just be me becoming listless – thinking too much about the future and not focusing on where I am right now. I’d say that’s probably part right, but I’d say there is a deeper, more foundational reality happening here.
My friend once told me that the Evil One works feverishly to accomplish three goals in the hearts of those who have committed to live on journey with Father; they are to “distract, discourage, and disable” God’s followers. (An alliteration! Just like any great sermon!) I can see these things creeping into my life, and masking the abundant, full life that Christ has already given to me.
Maybe you’ve been in my shoes? Distraction starts with the pangs of boredom. You simply don’t have the interest in picking up God’s Word, or going for a walk with him, or whatever you and God have found yourselves enjoying lately. For me, I’d rather check out the latest info on movies, video games, and sports on websites, or pour over all the blogs I love to read, or have a ROOT CANAL or ANYTHING to just get past this boredom! It is the temptation of being over-stimulated that brings on my distraction.
Over time, this distraction leads to discouragement. Even before my trip, I was feeling a distance from Father that made me uncomfortable, and now its just down right saddening. I just haven’t had the energy to even reach out to him for help – almost like it is just more trouble than its worth…than I’M worth. As I’ve gotten to know drug addicts, I’ve been amazed how similar this sensation of discouragement is, especially for those who have committed to following Christ. I wouldn’t doubt that this is the same workings of the Enemy.
Finally, Christ-followers are completely neutralized when they are disabled. The Christ-life is supposed to be interwoven with freedom for the journey, but when a believer is consistently discouraged, he will eventually lay down his cross and sit idly on the side of the road. What else do you think burn out among ministers and church leaders is? What about people who “renounce the faith”? They have been cut off at the knees – their giftings stifled. I’m not there yet, but unless I seek God’s shalom, I could end up there fast.
Just writing about this is helping, but I am still in the ditch. I need HIS encouragement, and his engagement so the Enemy doesn’t have a chance to get a foothold. He is not worth my time.
Julie, 
Nick Nichols is discussing. 
miller 11:02 pm on May 27, 2007 Permalink
i know how you feel bro…
i’ll be praying
peace
Guy Muse 8:02 am on May 28, 2007 Permalink
I am slowly coming out of my own round of DDD. It seems these cycles are common in the life of a believer. I remember Elisabeth Elliot saying somewhere to not rely on feelings, but “do the next thing” that needs to be done, even if the feelings (joy, enthusiams, etc.) are not there. In other words, pray even if you don’t have anything to say, read His Word even though you have no appetite for it, etc. When Christ was in the wilderness for 40 days, He didn’t “feel” very strong physically, emotionally, or even spiritually. Yet, He didn’t succumb to Satan’s temptations. I would invite you to revisit this passage and allow God to speak to you through the example Jesus left for us when DDD.
Billy 9:51 am on May 28, 2007 Permalink
Pam and I will be praying for you.
Mark 3:11 pm on May 28, 2007 Permalink
Miller and Billy – thanks for your prayers
Guy – Its good to know that everyone struggles with “DDD”. I agree that there is a place for doing things even when you don’t feel like doing them (doing the dishes for my wife is not always at the top of my list, but I know I love her by helping keep a clean kitchen), but on the other side of things, if I am always doing the same thing for my wife out of rote (buying flowers every first Friday, or writing her a note every day) I loose some of the RELATIONSHIP that those actions are tied to.
What I am worried about is doing the actions just for the sake of DOING ACTIONS, and not learning to love Father more. Maybe this hesitation is just part of the Enemy’s distraction, but my intentions are trying to be mostly good. I am not hooked on my feelings, but I do see them as a sign that things are going well or that things in my relationship to God might need to move to another level.
kent 5:44 pm on May 28, 2007 Permalink
mark, i’m right with you, man. i’ve been having a hard time lately, feeling discouraged and overwhelmed by distraction from my walk with God. greg’s sermon yesterday spoke loudly to me – it was about remembering. remembering God. remembering what He has done in our lives, and in the lives of his people. the “sermon notes” section of the bulletin had a list of scriptures having to do with remembering God. (don’t know if you get the bulletin in your email or not). i don’t remember them all, but a couple that stand out in my mind even today – numbers 15 (i think), 2 timothy 2, revelation 2 (ephesus) and 3 (sardis), and especially psalm 77.
these passages were convicting and encouraging to me, as was the experience of sitting down and writing out a list of things i need to remember that God has done in my life.
maybe these things can be of some encouragement to you as well.
you all gonna make it up to indy at all this summer?
peace
Agent wife 8:50 pm on May 28, 2007 Permalink
May the sweet Spirit woo you, wash over you, lure you to that secret place of intimacy and restore your passion.
Julie 8:57 pm on May 29, 2007 Permalink
I came here to see what tips others had! I agree about remembering what God has specifically done as a way to draw you closer to Him. I do that, too. And God used this method repeatedly in the OT: “Remember, I am the God that brought you out of Israel!” : )
However, I have to put in my minor protest about the “DDD” term. You see, my sorority is Delta Delta Delta, otherwise known as Tri-Delta or “DDD”!