I’d like to blame my scattered brain on the time change. I really hate the “Spring forward” thing. Don’t you? Perhaps partial blame can be placed there. At least, I hope so.
But the truth is—it’s really nothing new for me. To have a hundred thoughts coursing through my mind at once is quite typical. It seems to be especially prevalent in my prayer and Bible reading time. Can you relate?
See, I’ve been struggling lately. Despite the fact that I have a daily time in God’s Word and prayer (only because I’m a creature of habit), I still struggle.
Why does God put up with this scatterbrained screwup?
I’m so grateful for the patient steadfast love of the Lord and the presence of His Holy Spirit that can sort through all of the gunk that clutters my thoughts and draws me back to what’s important and what’s true.
Sometimes the clutter in my mind are thoughts like “what should I cook for dinner tonight?” Or “why the heck did God create flies?” But often, it’s more than clutter. It’s gunk. You know, the kind of gunk that is like the cholesterol of our souls. The sticky stuff that really clogs us up and prevents us from living the abundant life that Jesus promises.
Gunk like …
Anxiety and Worries: “Oh, Father, I’m so worried about my husband’s health … My newly married children …Our finances ….”
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
My sinful nature: “I wish I was as smart and beautiful as her … I want enough money to buy that … I don’t want to give up my time to serve at church this week …”
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
Anger and Unforgiveness: “I cannot believe that he said_______and did ______again … I will never forgive her for that … Who does he think he is?”
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:14
Aren’t you grateful that God has the remedy for everything that ails us?
That remedy is found only through the truth of His Word. And that Word is ALIVE. That Word is LOVE. That Word is TRUTH. That Word is LIFE. That Word SAVES. That Word is JESUS.
Remember how I mentioned earlier that Jesus wants us to have an abundant life? It’s true. He wants us to live an abundant life right now, not just in Heaven. But it’s not just our own junk that prevents it. We have an enemy that takes advantage of our sinful nature to keep us all gunked up—living an unproductive miserable life rather than the abundant one that Jesus wants for us. Take a look. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10.
So, I find that when the gunk and clutter get in the way, I have a choice: baste in my stew and let the enemy have his way as I and grow further from the life Jesus wants for me. Or humbly reach out to Jesus.
Sometimes I find it difficult to do this because of those gunky condemning thoughts that say, “God cannot use a scatterbrained, messed up person like you.”
Oh, but here’s my opportunity! Yes, those messed up moments are opportunities to press into God!
God indeed uses scatterbrained screwups like me and like you. His Word tells us this from Genesis to Revelation.
He used a murderer like Moses, a murdering adulterer like David, a prostitute like Rahab, a coward like Gideon, dirty fisherman like Simon Peter and Andrew and He will and He does use weak, scatterbrained, sinners like us.
As a matter of fact, often it’s our very weaknesses that bring us humbly to our knees in order to be used by Him.
…”Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12: 7-10
Without our acknowledgment of our weakness (and sin), we have no need for Jesus.
Thinking we don’t need Jesus, of course, is a big fat lie. The first lie, actually. That’s the lie that started this whole mess in the Garden. You know the one.
You see, dear ones, all that is required is to humbly give our scattered, gunky, sinful thoughts over to Him and allow Him to grow us in the healing power of His Word.
I know, I know. It sounds easy but it’s really not. Nope. It takes practice and dedication and even sacrifice— just like anything else worthwhile in this life. But I guarantee you this:
JESUS IS WORTH ANY SACRIFICE YOU WILL EVER MAKE.
Oh, yes. I’m so glad that Jesus uses scatteredbrained screwups. Aren’t you?
If you’ve got a comment or need prayer, I’d love to hear from you about it in the comments below.
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Oh, yes, Beckie! I’m a scatterbrained screw up, too! Yet, God insists on using me because of His great love and grace for all His children. Like you, I remember all those in the Bible who were not at all perfect, but whom God used greatly to tell His story. And it offers such reassurance to folks like us, doesn’t it? God can use us and He will. Let’s just trust in that.
Blessings to you!
Martha, Yes, like you, I’m choosing to rest in the fact that God included those people and their stories to benefit us. I just love His word!
Thanks, my friend for taking the time to share.
Yes. I can totally relate. I have been feeling like, “Why does God put up with me?” Then I remember how patient He is and how His power is made perfect in weakness. I am so thankful for His abundant grace.
Elihu, YES! Often I find myself telling others. “If God can work through me, He can work through you.” It’s such an amazing honor. He is so, so good!
Beautiful post Beckie! 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 has been on my heart a lot lately. It amazes me how God can work wonders through our weaknesses! The enemy tries to make me live in (unhealthy) fear of God and compare myself to others. But I know the truth of God’s Word and how the Gospel is good news for a reason!
Emily, I’m with you! I’m so amazed that God chooses to use us in powerful ways we’d never imagine. He is so good!
‘Thanks, Beckie– I have a grandson who requires full-time care. In one of my many heartbroken exchanges with God about him, I was lamenting about his situation and said, “It’s so hard to deal with, Lord. He can’t do anything the way you designed people to function. He can’t communicate clearly; he can’t walk right; he doesn’t understand things, he can’t do anything without help. It’s a constant battle to help him get through a day. I just don’t understand what we’re supposed to learn in all this.” In the quiet aftermath of my little tirade, it was as though God spoke audibly to me and said, “Now you know what it’s like for Me in taking care of guys like you every day.” Alex doesn’t have to earn the love that carries him when he can’t walk on his own, and we don’t get angry at him when he can’t perform simple tasks. God only has handicapped kids to work with. All of us are scatter-brained screw-ups on our best days and you did a great job of making that feel OK.
Ron, thanks so much for sharing about your grandson. Goodness, this helps put things into perspective. Indeed, we are all deficient in one way or another and need the love, grace, and mercy of our Lord. The fact that He uses us despite our weaknesses humbles me.
Praying for you and your family (grandson).
Beckie — I’m so glad He uses you and others like you — and even me – lol.
We all are scatterbrained at times but the Lord sees our potential and not our faults.
I likes it when you pointed out what others did in the past .
“He used a murderer like Moses, a murdering adulterer like David, a prostitute like Rahab, a coward like Gideon, dirty fisherman like Simon Peter and Andrew and He will and He does use weak, scatterbrained, sinners like us.”
We all can be used if we are willing.
Del
Del, the stories of ordinary people help me realize God can use even little messed up me. It’s funny that we often deify people in the Bible when they have some really crazy issues!
Thank goodness God does love us even with our scattered brains.
Jann, Amen and Amen!
I’m thankful for this! My mind is in a million places at times, yet God still uses me for His glory.
I’m glad you could relate and that used it to encourage you. Keep shining your light, brother!
God bless you and yours.
How comforting to know I’m not the only “scatterbrained screw-up”! BUT there’s this (IMO, the best line in this post): “those messed up moments are opportunities to press into God!” Oh yes, oh yes, oh yes. I’ve made for myself many opportunities of this sort recently.
Carole, me too! Writing this was a way the sweet Holy Spirit used to comfort me. I’m glad it did the same for you. THAT makes me smile 🙂