Body, mind and spirit….

We live in a world that doesn’t think holistically. We become convinced that each part of us operates separately. Nothing could be further from the truth. We are complex beings…If we are unhealthy in one area, it will overflow into another.

Unless we come to terms with our emotional struggles and invest time (and energy) in learning how to deal with them.. they will grow into physical struggles. Our body will tell us that we are not doing well..that we need to stop and examine our livestyle and our levels of stress. We can run to the doctor and get a diagnosis and possibly medication, ignoring the underlying issues… if we ignore our emotions and stop growing.. we may stop moving forward spirtually..

Growth in one area.. leads to growth and freedom in other areas. God created us this way. He made us feelers, thinkers, and believers. He designed us so our hearts, minds, bodies, and spirits would all need attention.. Unfortunately we  get a very limited view of this because we separate ourselves into compartments.. we act as though we are only our feelings or only our bodies and we miss out on the healthy life that God intends for us. The same thing happens when we over- spiritualize.. everything is not a spiritual issue. We need discernment to realize all this and God is ready to give that to us if we ask.

He gave His Holy Spirit to us for such a time as this.. to help us navigate this complicated world and to give us answers that will enable us to live fully while we are here.

 Jesus said this in John 16:

“I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t handle them now. But when the Friend comes, the Spirit of the Truth, he will take you by the hand and guide you into all the truth there is. He won’t draw attention to himself, but will make sense out of what is about to happen and, indeed, out of all that I have done and said. He will honor me; he will take from me and deliver it to you. “

Confusion

Confusion is a stop sign from God. A red flag..it says..wait..stop..pray..don’t move yet. God speaks and directs us through our feelings..not necessarily every feeling we have but definitely through some of them. He has given us His spirit and that spirit speaks to us in our hearts through our feelings and our senses. When we feel confused..there is a reason. What a great time to go back to God and pray..asking for clarity and wisdom. He wants to guide us so He will answer..maybe not right away..but soon enough.

Being a true ENFJ.. I like closure and enjoy it when things are wrapped up and put away. I even like emptying the dishwasher and folding the laundry because it feels so good to finish something. Life with God forces us to abandon some of our natural tendencies. For me that has meant learning to wait until I see what He is doing..rather than what I want to do. As this has become a bigger part of my life..I have been able to learn to stay in the gray area when I need to. I can’t say that I always enjoy it..but I understand that while I am waiting.. God is working..in me and in the situation.

Our God wants us to know His direction for our lives. He is not trying to make it difficult for us to follow Him. He does require us to stop and ask Him..to pray continually..seeking His direction..to be willing to change direction or to change our mind. Our willingness is critical and so is our ability to listen for His voice. It takes practice and He is not asking us to be perfect. The more we long for this guidance..the more it matters to us..the louder His voice will become.

He is calling to you..desiring to lead you..wanting to change you. He hears your voice and He is speaking to you..making things clear for you. His heart is for you..His desires for you are good. He is with you..holding on to you..He will never leave you.

“So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead you received God’s Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now we call Him, Abba Father. For His Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.”