Marriage Retreat?
The problem with our culture is that we expect quick fixes, drive through resolutions, and convenience at every turn. I am guilty of it. I only like to work hard if I can see immediate results. I only take vitamins if I can feel them working. I only diet if I can actually see that I am losing weight.
So what does this have to do with Marriage and a marriage retreat?
Well, lately I have found that my Bible reading has been almost non-existent. I admit it. I have been a Christian since the age of 5 and I have found that my relationship with Christ is becoming boring and stale. Where is the spark? The Joy? The passion? I told this to a close friend of mine and expressed that I don't love God any less, it is jus that I don't feel like spending time with him anymore. Gulp. I try to go through the motions of reading, but I feel like "I know this already, blah, blah, blah, be kind, love one another, pray, repent, etc..."
He suggested that I stop trying to read the Bible at my house or at the usual places and that perhaps I needed to change up my study habits, go to a coffee shop or outdoors, take a 3 day weekend and get away and spend some one-on-one time with God. What? Go away on a retreat? Who has time for a retreat? Who has time for God?
I mulled this over in my head. I chewed on these words of advice like a big blob of cud. In the Bible it talks about us being the bride of Christ, but that is a difficult metaphor for me to wrap my head around - the bride? Our relationship to God is just like a marriage and even though I am not married, in my almost 30 years on this earth I have observed that marriages sometimes need a retreat, a refueling, some TNT!
I need my spiritual walk blowed up!
I am going to go up to Mardel's or some other Christian bookstore and pick up some C.S. Lewis or Bonhoffer, or Piper, or Tozer, (can I drop some more names?) and try something new with God because I miss what we used to have.
19 Comments:
Eddo:
I've only been a Christian for less than two years and I've experienced this a few times.
We are human. We suck. We forget about God's amazing awesomeness so easily, and it's on account of OUR own lack of dedication.. well, you get the drift. All I'm trying to say is, "I FEEL YA' BROTHER!" I totally feel ya: and I KNOW I'm not the only one who does. I'll be praying for you about this: God bless you and your endeaver to draw nearer to Him.
Oh, brother, I understand all too well.
Science and logic play a large part in my faith, but as a consequence I've lately been focusing too much on the why and not the what...or, I should say, Who. My prayer life is threadbare, and the Word sits, forgotten, in my bag.
Right now, my faith feels largely academic. My faith in God stronger than ever, but it's something I know, rather than feel.
I think it's a problem we all have. We want to fit God into our schedules, when He goes beyond appointments and RSVPs. I want to find the perfect time to be with God, and in looking for that time I haven't made time at all.
If you want to start an eBible Study type thing, let me know. I'd love to talk about the Word with you. It sounds as if we both need some help.
You go Eddo! Your line about not loving God any less but not necessarily wanting any more of Him...why is it that we get so 'content' with the small amount of God we have? I'm in that same boat, Ed, and honestly, know I need to repent of it...it's so easy to become so self-reliant in our society, and to do so so quickly!
I think Jared may be onto something...accountability is crucial when we have an 'awakening' like this! I'll be praying for you, friend...retreat on! :)
Eddie pack the TNT and hit the road for a little excursion with God.
I go through that stage at least once a year for a while. Now I am reading "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis and now it is one of my favorite books. Piper's tapes are really good especially on Romans.
I love the song by Steven Curtis Chapman that's called Be Still. I'll post the lyrics on my site since it's long. I have a hard time making time for God too. I think my life is, for the most part, too "cushy". So many stories of those in China and other countries that risk their lives for a page of God's Word and I take it for granted. I'm "too busy". Or just distracted. Yeah, I'm with ya.
And I like your new look! (again) Is that Cat with mistletoe?!?!!
HA HA HA HA!
Amstaff, you are so funny, you alwaays try to read into my little pictures... such a girl thing to do. :)
Guilty as charged!
I feel ya Eddo. Gotta keep that relationship fresh. Gods good like that.
"Content" is a dangerous place to b sometimes
Funny... Sydney and I always like to spend time with each other. ;)
Well except when I am in a bad mood... then she doesn't like me very well.
Anyway, I am right there with you Eddie. If only the Bible was on TV... then I would read (watch) it all the time.
Let us know what works. Maybe a lesson in there for us...
My advice: take some books, but not too many. Just sit and listen. Marriages, I think, are often at their best when the couple realizes that the are in it, not for the feeling, but because they made a commitment. I think the same goes for our journey of faith, as well.
Ever thought of committing yourself to fasting once a week? Fasting is a demonstration of "seeking God with all of our hearts" (Jer. 29:11) Fasting puts things in proper focus and is a physical way of saying, "Food and the things of this life are not as important to me now as...." Denying yourself of food, even if it's for one or two meals, shows your humility before God and your focus on Him. Fasting is definitely one of those "forgotten" spiritual disciplines and an act that we are encouraged to take part in. Think fasting may spice up your "Marriage"? This is getting long, but if you want to dialogue further about this, let me know. :)
Lewis and Piper are my favorites.
Retreats are known for "mountain top experiences" where the emotional high lasts for about a week after the trip before things just go back to normal.
The best retreats are the ones that you don't "need" to go on.
dude. you change site designs about as often as i change...lipstick?
looks good.
Eddo,
I love ya and was wondering if you could take a half day off on Monday?
Eddo,
I love your honesty. I love how you can say things even when it hurts to admit it. It is so hard to say things that we know, but we hate to admit it. I understand your feelings and I respect your honesty. I have been feeling this "contentness" with my relationship w/God too, and so you have encouraged me to try new things too. :) Thanks Eddo.
Watchman Nee (Nee is his last name)
he is right up there with Tozer in my ...um, book.
I agree with Joe and Julie. It's very admirable that you can be bluntly honest about your walk with God. Most "fib" about it and tell you how they change it up, when in fact they are right where you are.
Another idea for changing it up...Teach a bible study class. You'll learn things you only thought you knew.
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