Numb and Number-When Trying Too Hard Dulls Your Soul

Less Self-Bullying

“Recently, I tried a new tactic with myself. Instead of asking, ‘What am I doing wrong, Lord?’ as usual (which can lure me into the numb and number, dulled-soul void), I asked, ‘Lord, what am I doing right?’

“It was a truly difficult exercise for me, because I’ve been conditioned to look for the negative (Isn’t that the only way to grow?)” I wrote these words in The Relief of Imperfect Faith, Prayer and Spirituality section of my devotional book, IT’S A WONDERFUL (IMPERFECT) LIFE. And then I shared the refreshing response as my heart listened to God’s reply.

This morning while sitting with my broken foot propped up and connected to the ultrasound machine, sipping chai tea and journaling about an ongoing disappointment in my life, I read Galatians 5 and flashed back to these words. So what did I read in Galatians?

“Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you. I am emphatic about this. The moment any one of you submits to circumcision OR ANY OTHER RULE-KEEPING SYSTEM, at that same moment Christ’s hard-won gift of freedom is squandered.” Gal. 5: 1-3 The Message (Caps are mine!)

More God-inspired evidence that I (you, too!) don’t have to bully myself in order to grow spiritually! Consistent encouragement and gentle accountability is more effective. Imagine that!

Are you breathing easier yet? I think this is another picture of grace, don’t you?Note: If you’re waiting for the next “Imperfect Prayer” blog, it is coming.