Roger Gulick is one of the best pastors I have ever known. He is humble and kind, and a man of deep faith. One of his favorite sayings, (or at least one of my favorites) is this: “we leak.” We are frail, imperfect vessels, and the joy God gives us seeps out. And we need time with God to keep our hearts full. I have found that practicing certain habits, especially time alone with God, fills our cups to overflowing.
Life is hard
Life is hard sometimes, isn’t it? It’s easy to get distracted. Discouraged. Disillusioned. Not to mention just plain exhausted. We can start doubting our identity, our worth. We question whether God is real, and if He really cares. Our anxiety surges, and faith, joy, and love seem to seep away.
What can stem our loss of joy?
What can stem this loss? Certain habits can help us remember the truth and retain perspective of what is going on in the world. For example,
- Giving thanks. The practice of giving thanks in all things.
- Reminders. Surrounding ourselves with reminders of the truth.
- Connections. Hanging out with other Christ-followers.
- Meditation on scripture. Planting the truth of God deep in our minds.
- Time alone with God. Dedicating a time in the day that we spend alone with God.
Such practices keep us from losing our joy in the daily grind. They plug some of those leaks, and refill our hearts.
The most effective habit
In my experience, the most effective habit we can practice to counteract our leakiness is spending the first part of our day with God—the Person who knows us best and loves us most. Those moments with Him are the green pastures, the quiet waters that restore our soul. In that stillness God whispers words of love. Acceptance. Forgiveness. Hope. He reminds us of who we are and who He is. He lifts our chin, and smiles in our eyes, and sets us on our way once again.
In the quiet morning our Loving Father lifts our chin, and smiles in our eyes, and sets us on our way once again.
Lydia Floren
Do you leak? Do you find your joy ebbing away, crowded out by worries and distractions? Choose to practice habits such as giving thanks, posting reminders, memorizing scripture, and spending time with other believers. And, most important, make time for God.
Take the time
Take the time every morning to listen for God’s voice, and rest in His love. We need time with God to keep our hearts full. Guard and cherish those moments with Him. They will restore your soul, and replenish your spirit, filling it to the brim once again.
Do you find that you leak? What plugs the holes in your leaky cup, and fills you up? What restores your soul? Please share. We would love to hear from you.
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