grand funk (with apologies to rockers everywhere)

It seems that quite a few people in my life are particularly burdened these days. It seems more and more common to hear a comment like, "I've been in a funk lately." If you're hoping for something profound from me about this... Sorry! But you know me and my quotes, and as I [this morning] encountered even more who seemed listless and fatigued in so many ways, several quotes and the associated rabbit trails of thought came to mind.

First and foremost, I identify. I've had some particular struggles for a while now; I know and understand some of the things that have brought on these struggles in me, but there are other feelings I have but don't really know why. As a result, when I read scripture it seems dry and vague; when I pray I think that I sense distance between me and God. When I figuratively stand aside and look at me, it kind of sticks out that my relationship with God is under assault! This just serves to illustrate why it is so crucial to base my relationship with him on the truth of the word rather than my experience. I must continually remind myself of this; even when my experience might suggest otherwise, the truth from his word is that his love for me is never-ending and never fails. His wisdom in guiding my life is implicitly perfect and trustworthy. His power and faithfulness to deliver on what he has promised cannot be thwarted or denied. On these bases, I read and I pray; this morning I thought about the great expositor Matthew Henry, who said

When I can not enjoy the faith of assurance, I live by the faith of adherence.

At my church, we have taught for many years that feelings and emotions are not trustworthy to base decisions and life choices on. I think that some heard that feelings and emotions are bad, but this is not what was intended. Rather, my life, my walk with God, is based on the truth of the word, and so I walk on, regardless of how I feel.

Abraham Lincoln said,

To ease another's heartache is to forget one's own.

This verbalizes the other thought I had: What an opportunity to serve when I encounter someone who is struggling! And while I might ultimately desire to help someone let go of a burden, my best service is not necessarily to preach or give answers but to laugh with, cry with, live with, love on my neighbor! Jesus is the great physician; I by his power want to render service that is useful in lifting that funk. Consistent with Lincoln's comment, I see in me the forgetting of struggles when God opens opportunities to serve and I focus on the needs of others. So often the best service is genuineness and open, willing fellowship.

In my own case, I'm amazed at how God has repeatedly, in the midst of simple fellowship with his people, revealed Himself to be the solution to the "struggle of the day." Most frequently that has taken the form of something being said that takes my mind back to specifics in the scriptures. All the while I thought I was serving the other person!

If you're feeling burdened, strugglilng, in a funk, take heart; walk on in your relationship with God, no matter how it "feels." Love on the people God has placed in your life, and don't be surprised when he uses your service to bless you.