I Was Stuck In The Mud!

          I was stuck in the mud… Help Me!

          Sometimes at this time of year; after we have failed in accomplishing what we resolved to change for the New Year and looking back at the many things we had hoped to do [or not do] we begin to feel a bit down.  We can often become disillusioned and discouraged. Because we find ourselves repeating and continuing with the same behaviors and habits that we wanted to change.  Whether it was to eat healthier, or lose weight, or be committed to daily study in God's Word and daily prayer.  Whatever it is that you want to achieve for the New Year [for your life] – take heart it's not too late, you can complete your goal!

          During these last few weeks I prayed that the Lord would help me.  Yep, that was my prayer, "Lord, help me!"  The discouragement I was experiencing had become an obstacle in my daily life.  My attitude became unhealthy, my spirit was contrite.  Regrettably I began to feel sorry for myself. 

          So night after night, I went to bed with the same prayer, "Lord, Help me!" and I was not being facetious when I prayed this, I was very serious.  I need the Lord's help!  I knew I was in a difficult place, and I needed Him to tell me what was wrong, what did I need to do [or what had I failed to do].  I know longer knew what specifically to ask the Lord, because I didn't know what was wrong that kept me from achieving my goal. 

          I was reading recently how at times we can be like a car stuck in the mud, the engine revived up yet all it can do is spin its wheels, going know where. That eventually (if not helped out of the mud) the car will either run out of gas, or the engine will burn out, or the car will be left on the side of the road, deserted.  

          OK, so I admit, that was me. I had become stuck and unable on my own to change those things I desired to (and knowing that it was what God wanted also).  I was now out of gas and walking away.  Deserting the goals I had wanted to accomplish; now becoming completely disillusioned and even a bit cynical.  

          So what changed?  What happened to pull me out of the mud?  The Lord!  Him and His infinite love for me [and for you]!  Was it ground shaking?  Did I succeed and accomplish all my goals?  Nope!  But I will!  Because he directed me (at the time I did not realize it was Him!) to watch a movie on Netflix called, "Fully Alive" by Ken Davis; a Christian comedian.  It was what I needed to hear, I needed to be reminded that life is to be lived!  And lived fully alive!  I needed to be resolved (determined, and resolute) to achieve my goals. 

          I recognize that without the Lord's help I will be unable to achieve the goals set before me.  But somewhere along this journey in my life with the Lord, I failed to truly include Him in everything, (anyone remember "abandonment of dead works?").  I was failing because without the Lord we are woefully inadequate to accomplish the things most important to us!

          So when I went to bed that night, I prayed that God would, "Help me! Help me to live… alive, fully, completely and totally.  I want to LIVE, not just exist"!

          And upon waking I immediately remembered the armor of God (and NO, I did not think of this on my own; but it was the Lord Who brought this to my memory).

         

          Put on the helmet of salvation: "Father help me to remember this day that You saved me because You love me!"

          Put on the breast plate of righteousness:  "Lord, thank You that I have been made righteous because Christ gave me His righteousness!"

          Put on the shoes of peace:  "Lord, help me today to walk peacefully, to stay calm, friendly, and to demonstrate kindness and keep a good attitude toward everyone!"

          Put on the belt of truth:  "Lord You are Truth, Your Gospel is Truth, help me today to live in Your Truth!"

          Lift up the shield of faith:  "Lord, keep my thoughts on all that You have done and keep my mind on You and Your power that gives me the ability to stay committed!"

          Take up the sword of the Spirit:  "Father, do not let me neglect Your Word this day, but keep and teach me from Your Word; for it is only by Your Word that I will see [will have] success!"

          "Father, show me, tell me, what do you want me to do today? Give me ideas on how or what I can do with You by my side helping me and enabling me.  Do not allow me to walk away from You even momentarily.  Let me achieve the goals You have for me to accomplish this day… then I will have success! Keep my mind steadfast on You and Your Truths… teach me Your ways Lord, I want to be more like You!"

          I'll let you know how I'm doing in the upcoming weeks. I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer; nonetheless I do realize that there will be bumps and pot holes in the road ahead. I may stumble, and even get stuck in the mud, but my Father will help me up or pull me out. I am resolved and committed not to stay stuck in the mud!  But to live... fully alive!

          

              May God rein daily and forever in the lives of His children!