Soul Blinders

Webster's dictionary describes a distraction as something that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else. It also describes a distraction as a diversion.

In life we often experience many diversions, something that causes us to lose focus on the important things. Horse trainers often add blinders to the bridle of race horses because they believe these blinders keep the horse focused on what is in front of him, and encourage him to pay attention to the race rather than other distractions, such as crowds. As believers, we know that Christ and our relationship with Him, witnessing and bringing lost souls into the Family of God is our goal. But we also have to live life. And recently my life, my heart and my mind have been filled with "things". When this happens, it's difficult for me to hear God's voice. 

I had an "aha moment" sitting at my kitchen table the other morning--I felt overwhelmed and began to cry. I had no idea where the tears were coming from or why, but boy did they flow. It was at that moment that I heard the voice of The Lord, clearer than I had in months! I began to pray..."Father, I have no words to speak. Only tears to cry for this lost and lonely feeling that I have deep in my heart." He said to me, "I have been waiting for you to come back to our meeting place...good morning!" As I sat and communed with God, I knew what that longing was about. I love shoes and if I could, I would fill every empty space in my closet with a new pair (digressing...a little but stay with me). Whenever I feel a "need" in my life and I can't figure it out, eventually I go to shoes. And oh my goodness, I buy beautiful shoes! And for a moment, I have my happy back. But it never lasts longer than the time it takes for me to find the next bargain.

Friend, The Lord allowed me to see that I had been filling the void in my heart with things that would never satisfy. Spending time alone with God connects us to His Spirit, thereby allowing us the opportunity to know Him in a personal way. Only THAT can satisfy what feels like an empty chasm in our hearts. The Psalmist said it best..."As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God" (Psalm 42:1-2). 

I didn't realize that I had been attempting to fill the loneliness and longing that I felt in my heart with things, I found that my real refuge was in spending time with God. God doesn't leave us without direction or help. He gave us His Word, the Bible, to direct our thoughts, behaviors, hearts, minds and souls - to be our soul-blinders! 

Here's Our Prayer:

Father in Heaven, each of us can find a reason to do a great many things to satisfy the physicality's of loneliness and brokenness. But, we want to fill that space with You. In those awkward moments when things just don't seem to be going as planned, remind us that You are here and that You're listening, speaking and waiting patiently for us to meet with You. Thank You Lord for never turning Your back on us, even when we are not cognizant of the fact that You are there. Amen