Getting off the Sick Carousel of Guilt

A friend of mine said last night that he never feels like he can do enough for God. He said when he has these thoughts, they make him so discouraged that he feels like a failure. As a result, he finds himself in depression, unable to do anything at all.

At times, I find myself in a similar sick cycle. When I get to the place where I'm not feeling guilty about doing more, I start feeling guilty about not feeling guilty. Crazy! To steal a song title from Lifehouse, it's a sick cycle carousel!

Thoughts, such as, "Why am I so content and complacent when there is a world out there dying without Christ? Thousands are physically dying each day from the lack of access to clean water and I'm feeling content, sitting in the coffee shop with a $4 cup of coffee in hand.

I'm reminded of the words of Jesus. "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Eugene Peterson says, "He (Jesus) doesn't tell us to go out into the world and conquer it; he calls us into a yoked companionship with himself. He doesn't ask us to do anything that he doesn't promise to do with us. We are not so much sent out as invited along." (Praying With Jesus)

Jesus, give me your eyes today to see what you are seeing. I know that if we are yoked together today we won't be caught on this sick cycle carousel but will be moving to the rhythm of the Father's will. Amen

"Keep spinning around I know that it won't stop, Till I step down from this for good."