• Why Is It Such A Struggle?

    October 3, 2009 - Comments (9)

    Even when I have time on my hands, I find it so hard to spend it with the Lord. It’s like there’s always some sort of distraction, big or small that steals my focus away from the things that really matter. I can sit on an airplane for 2 hours, nothing but time. I’ll bring my Bible and have every intention of spending the time reading and praying. Then, before I realize it, we’ve already landed and all I did was read the in flight magazine. Know what I’m talking about?

    I guess I’m just daily humbled by how much of a discipline it is to stay focused, and have quality quiet time with God every single day. You would think like anything else this would get easier with time, but I still struggle. If you can relate to this struggle, then lets work on this together. People don’t expect faith to be something you necessarily need to work at. But our spiritual journey is just that, a journey. We don’t arrive at the finish line. “…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. (Phillipians 2:12)

    -mw

    Matthew West POSTED BY:
    Matthew West

    • 9 comments

    1. 1. Jeisel Q =] commented:

      Sat 3/10/09, 12:14 pm

      That is true.. after finishing my homework and all the stuff I have to do, I’m always doing little insignificant things instead of spending it on something good like reading my Bible or praying. I hadn’t noticed it until right now. Thank-you Matthew and I hope we can fix our problems together. God bless!! =]

    2. 2. Mary Kulow commented:

      Sat 3/10/09, 1:41 pm

      This is so true… I’ve been struggling big time lately with the discipline for spending time w/God. It’s so easy to get sidetracked by all the things in our lives. It also seems it gets worse after times of spiritual encouragement, even though you’d think it’d would get better. Let’s work together in getting ourselves back on track and in focus. : )

    3. 3. Beth commented:

      Sat 3/10/09, 4:11 pm

      I have the same problem.

    4. 4. Jennifer Eckert commented:

      Sat 3/10/09, 7:00 pm

      Join the crowd. I have that same struggle even while doing homework on Systematic Theology. There’s always the accountability via twitter option.

    5. 5. Laura commented:

      Sun 4/10/09, 6:35 pm

      I was just talking to my husband about this tonight. How God is calling us to maturity, but it’s easy to say “I’m ok being an infant.” Maturity requires discipline and discipline is hard work. But I see it in others and long for it. May we walk in maturity so that our lights shine brighter in an every growing dark world!

    6. 6. Sharon commented:

      Sun 4/10/09, 9:13 pm

      Hi Matthew,
      Wow… do I relate… I am going through the same thing today, bro!
      I was so touched by your song, “Through the Motions”… and so was my 5 year old daughter… she watched the video on YouTube about 20 times!!! and made her Daddy watch it even…LOL!!!.. and we are passing it on!!!
      Your song was part of God’s voice speaking to me the past few days… to the point that I am SO desperate to hear from Him and not miss the mark… that I am determined to get up earlier… even for a half hour just to get some time that my heart craves with Him… 5ish am comes very swiftly for a busy Mom that works full-time… but I have to thank you for your honesty in this blog… it encourages me that I am not the only one!
      The Lord has clearly led me to start a band with a strong call to evangelistic ministry this past Spring (with confirmation from my pastors)… and I feel such an accountability to the group to be led by the Spirit… and we are believing God that He will open doors to reach people even in dark places in His timing… so I feel kind of “lost” if I don’t spend time with Him…
      I will pray for beautiful, precious quality time for you with Jesus… enjoying His Sweet Love and basking in His Presence.
      Thanks for writing this bro… and sharing that amazing song! It has spoken to me! Wow!!

    7. 7. Tammy Carlton commented:

      Thu 8/10/09, 10:47 am

      I cant tell you what a blessing this post is to me! Just knowing I’m not alone… well……….. its like a cyber hug.
      I have been struggling for so long with this! And it seems the more I try…. the more I fail. Here I am going through trails… and you would think I would be completely glued to God and His word. But what am I doing…? reading email… posting on my blog… crocheting …… and letting that empty time become filled with self doubt and hatred. (satan)
      I’m good at sharing God with others… but not good at spending time with Him myself.

      God Bless you for your ministry through your songs and just opening your heart here on your blog.

      have a Wonderful day!!!
      .::Tammy::.

    8. 8. Gavin commented:

      Sat 31/10/09, 7:24 am

      Lord, help Matthew to spend time with you. Spirit of Jesus, lead Matthew into quiet space with you. Inspire him, encourage him, and may he hear you speaking to him and leading him. Amen.

    9. 9. Mari Anne commented:

      Thu 19/11/09, 9:38 pm

      Yeah, i totally know what you mean….
      With school and everything it can be so hard.

      I set time aside in the mornings but I just can’t seem to wake up and do it…. I know its early but my end of htis year and new years resolution is to spend my days living for God and devoting my time to him all the time. Coz he so deserves it after all he has done for me.

      Thank you so much for opening my eyes to this and I dearly hope that you will reach what want and that you just continue to Bless people through your music…..
      You are totally admirable, i love your music.

      God Bless

      Mari Anne( Australia) xoxo

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