2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

One of the most profound pieces of advice was given to me by a wise elder. “Then don’t.” I was rather surprised by his answer because I had just said I didn’t feel like reading the bible. We are always met with encouragement to do the right thing. We strive to advise on the side of those things we know will prosper our brothers and sisters in Christ. Wise counsel almost always sides with connecting with God and each other.

This elder recognized there was a struggle going on inside of me. He believed my conversion was real, he believed God was working in my life. He also knew that God is better at mending a broken heart than man. He had the gift of discernment which allowed him to see this was a heart issue and not one of the mind. He knows that God cares more about our happiness than even our closest friends and family.

We have a tendency to hold resentments against friends and family that do not want to go along with the program. Spoil sport, whiner, selfish, deputy downer are thoughts that creep into the mind at those times. I’ve thought those words, I’ve heard those words. They do nothing to heal a troubled heart.

While 90% of pastors will tell you this verse is about tithing because of the previous passage, please allow me to interject the issue of sowing the seed of faith. Whatever you do in obedience of faith, God desires your happiness, you cheerfulness, it the effort. If you find yourself feeling a little like the child that says; “I don’t wanna.”, I would hope you would look to the cause.

Heart and soul, not the same thing.

Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

I find myself tired of this present world. I cannot stand to hear the news of the day. If it isn’t horrible, violent, and dreadful; it is stupid, sad, and desperate. So I turn to something else to escape from this present danger. I find myself entertained for a moment in a movie or a show that is encouraging, fanciful, even cheerful, but I find myself in yet but another trap for which I must escape.

When I searched for appropriate scriptures to relate my condition, I checked the surrounding scriptures to make sure I was appropriating the correct scripture and not using His Word to serve my own means. Thankfully He led me to the right passages. I found comfort in discovering the Word of God to speak truth into my present condition. This is the passage that relates.

Luke 21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

Luke 21 is the chapter in which His disciples asked Him about the signs of the end times. This in part is towards the end of that description. To be caught unawares has a significant meaning to me. It speaks to me that I was caught up in self and failed to do that which the Lord has asked. Once again I say, it is not the work we do but the condition of the heart that matters.

Hebrews 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.