Turn the World Down

"You can't expect God to be the source of your peace if the world is the source of your satisfaction."

Ouch. I read that a few days ago and it hit me like a ton of bricks. Especially because I've been in this season of understanding hunger and being filled, thirsting yet being satisfied.

But on the topic of hunger and food, it's been getting me thinking. We can fill up but be filled with junk. Like I can sit on the couch and stuff my face with candy, ice cream, and junk food, and I'll get the feeling of being full. But it won't be a good kind of full. Conversely, I can fill up on healthy food and get the same feeling of being satisfied. But this time, it's so much better.

Ever wonder why sometimes it's so hard to take in the things of God? Could it be that we've already spent our time consuming other things? We are full, but not necessarily with the right things. If God is not our first priority, then if we are not careful, we can find ourselves being filled with accolades, applause, and likes on social media, climbing the ladder at work, and all other good things, but not the main thing. These were never meant to be our source.

If we find our being in temporary sources, then we will fade when they fade, and fall when they fall. When our being is found in the unchanging, unfailing One (Hebrews 13:8), then our foundation is firm and secure.

Here are a few areas that I turn down when I feel my soul being pulled away from my true source--Jesus.

Social Media

I cannot stress this one enough!!! When we start looking for people's approval and measuring our level of influence constantly, we shift away from needing His approval first. I think social media can be a very beautiful platform to share the Gospel. But when it becomes a source of value, comparison, envy, and obsession--it's time to turn the volume down.

Selfish Ambition

I know that I am entering into selfish ambition when I start being really intrinsic and just focusing on myself instead of keeping my attention on Jesus. I start getting overly consumed with having success according to the world's standard, and suddenly God's success just isn't enough anymore. When I start wanting to keep up with the things and ways that the world has deemed successful, it's usually time for me to put that aside and set my ambitions and goals back to Jesus.

Negativity

I don't think we are aware sometimes of how much negativity is around us. Overly negative news--I'm not talking about real, devastating situations in the world. No matter how much we turn away from them to protect our peace, they don't cease to exist. We are to pray for them. But indulging in the news to the point where it builds fear is where it takes a turn. Negative speech. Gossip. Basically, filling up on things that pull us out of keeping our minds fixed on Him.

Now, here is the good stuff to fill up on.

Worship

You already knew what was coming lol. My tune on these things will never change. Worship, read, pray. We have to be engaging in daily worship. It's so very simple, yet so profound. To start our days with lifting up the name of Jesus--there is nothing else like it. Abide in His presence and be transformed from glory to glory. This my friends is the good stuff.

Read the Word

We are nothing and have nothing without His presence, and we know more about Jesus through the living Word. I was reminded this week that the Word is alive and active. There is fresh revelation that is available to us, if we ask Him.

I love that Jesus is also referred to as the Bread of Life (John 6:35). He is nourishment that fills our souls. Anytime we get to read more about Him and be in His presence, we are being filled. This is true contentment and fullfillment.

Pray

In His presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). Here is where He fully satisfies, yet at the same time keeps us hungry for more. It's like watching a good show with that cliffhanger. The show was so great! But that cliffhanger keeps us wanting more! Even that example pales in comparison to the creator of the universe! What a loss to be filled up by the things of this world, instead of the very Creator of the Universe himself.

Friends, let's stay filled by our first and main source--Jesus. Nothing else, I repeat, nothing else will ever fully satisfy. He must be everything. 🕊

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:2‬ ‭

“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:33‬ ‭NIV‬‬

💕R