Thursday, January 4, 2018

Todd Galberth's "Decrease" Devotional Notes: Day 4

I never knew a book could read me until I started reading Todd Galberth's "Decrease" devotional. It knows me so well already...and this is only day four. Today's topic was, again, right in my wheelhouse. It's called "Relationship Goals Part II." I've written several posts about relationships on this blog, so I assumed Todd's message would be along the same lines, like, "Don't worry about a romantic relationship right now, God is all you need..." You know, the usual. I was wrong. Todd put an entirely different spin on the topic, expanding on yesterday's commentary about relationship over religion. He pointed out that being a Christian is more than just having a "vertical" relationship with God. He said it should also extend into "horizontal" relationships with the people we encounter in our every day lives.

Todd Galberth - "Decrease" devotional / Todd Galberth online store

I read that and instantly thought, Okay, God, I hear You. I've always been somewhat of a loner. I was bullied when I was younger, but as I grew up, I was a loner by choice. Most people think I'm quiet, but that's not the case. I'm selective in who I choose to open up to. I have a VERY small circle of consistent friends that I am so grateful for (shout out to y'all), but I used to make excuses for why I didn't really need friends, using the comfort of solidarity as a crutch. The truth was, I just didn't want to make the effort to put myself out there. It takes a lot of energy. If you're an introvert, you know what I mean.

A few months ago, I put in a very straightforward request with God. I told Him point blank, "You and I both know I suck at making friends, but at this point in my life, I realize I need them more than I thought I did. Surround me with more like-minded people that I can pour into who will pour back into me." That very same day, a friend I hadn't talked to in over a decade reached out to me, and now, we're keeping in touch. God knows what and who you need, and He'll always send them at the right time.

Day 4 takeaway: Today's "Medicine Music" was Jonathan McReynolds' "Christ Representers." As Christians, it's our job to represent Jesus well in everything we do. We are His hands and feet. He won't move until we do. Sometimes, I have to remind myself to reach out to people, friends and strangers, even when I don't feel like it. I might be the only example of Jesus they see. Less of me, more of He.

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