Too Many Words - Ecclesiastes 5:3

Ecclesiastes 5:3 -- "Too much activity gives you restless dreams; too many words make you a fool."

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You've heard of the phrase "put your foot in your mouth," right? It basically means that you say too much. Often it means you've contradicted yourself while you are talking too much. It can get you in trouble when you are trying to dance around the truth.

However, when I think of this phrase when it concerns myself that it is not about lying, it is just about saying too many words. Like the other day, I was trying to explain how baby sea turtles are born to my daughter. It isn't a difficult concept, but I would explain it and then re-explain it until my daughter had no idea what I was talking about. I thought of the phrase "put your foot in your mouth" because if I could just simplify my thoughts, she would understand.

Thankfully, God knows our hearts. You do not have to worry about "putting your foot in your mouth" when it comes to God. He will understand your convoluted explanations and He will know if you are lying. God wants us to share our hearts with Him so He can get involved, if we can't be honest with God, we will not get desirable results.

The same goes for sharing the Lord with others. When we lie and put on a facade about who we are as Christians, it does nothing to advance God's Kingdom. People don't need to see how perfect our lives are, they need to see that we are but imperfect humans relying heavily on a strong King. When we say so much that we mix-up our message or if we are not completely honest with others, we are fools.

Pray for God to give you the words to say when talking to others about Him and when to stop talking. He will press on your heart exactly what to say, or not say, in the moment to draw His children to Him.

  

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Restless Dreams - Ecclesiastes 5:3

Ecclesiastes 5:3 -- "Too much activity gives you restless dreams; too many words make you a fool."

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Have you ever had so much on your mind that you just couldn't sleep? I have. In fact, I often have trouble sleeping for this specific reason. So when I read this verse, I was immediately convicted.

I am a mother, a wife, a writer and an individual. I have a lot to keep up with. I have many to-do lists, a calendar full of appointment, meetings and play dates. I have menus to make, articles to write, dishes to clean and laundry to do. And I'm getting overwhelmed just thinking about it. I'm sure your lists look about the same.

So when I lay down to go to sleep, anything I didn't get done is often still on my mind. Events or deadlines that are coming up weigh on my mind as well. And that's not to mention any time there is sickness or extra things going on in the family. Sound familiar? I know I can't be the only one convicted by the idea that too much activity gives you restless dreams.

But, what do we do about it? It's not like we can call the schools and tell them to give less work. We can't make the dishes or clothing wash themselves. There will always be lists and schedules to keep up with. Maybe it's time to look at the extra activities. Have you said yes to volunteering for something that is just becoming too much? Are you spending too much time on Facebook or watching TV that affect you getting things done around the house? These, and more, are important questions to ask yourself when you often feel overwhelmed.

Then, let's say you cut out all of these extra time eaters and you still feel overwhelmed. It is still very possible. You have done what you can to quiet the activity, but now it is time to quiet the mind. Jesus tells His disciples of a peace that only He can bring. A peace that holds up despite the struggles of the world - those struggles include long lists and busy schedules by the way.

John 14:27 -- "I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid."

When we go to God everyday and ask Him to help us manage our homes and our schedules, He answers. He may not lessen the load, but He will give you peace of mind and heart to bear it. When we give all of our doubts, struggles, fears, anxieties and restlessness to God, He answers, He gives us peace and He gives us sleep.

  

All Authority Established by God - Romans 13:1

Romans 13:1 -- "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."

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There is a lot of debate when it comes to politics, especially concerning the social issues. I know many who are very passionate one way or the other on certain issues like abortion, same-sex marriage healthcare and government spending. I am not here to tell you which side to choose, but I will say that God is in control of all of it.

I've seen the same scriptures over and over again both for and against a political issue. It seems that scripture is thrown around with a persuasive agenda without concern for God's truth. It is important when choosing a side to read the context surrounding the verses given to support or oppose an issue.

There also seems to be a lot of discontentment with the leadership in our government. However, the Bible says "the authorities that exist have been established by God." This means that God is in control, even of all government officials. We may not always agree with new laws placed by the government, but they are to be followed without complaint, just as God's laws are to be obeyed.

Complaining and debating issues that have been made laws is only separating God's people and breeding ill content in places where there should be peace. Everyone is subject to governing authorities and all authority comes from God. Therefore, we must not only obey, but willingly support the law.

   

No Comparison - 2 Corinthians 10:12

2 Corinthians 10:12 -- "Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn't dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant!"

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The things I am continuously reminded of is that everyone is going through a struggle. No matter what the situation is, to that person it is the most important thing to them right now. When we look at other's accomplishments and achievements, we don't see all the hard work, anxiety, insecurity, sacrifice and struggle it took to get there.

There is a saying I love, "Don't compare your rough draft to someone else's highlight reel." The truth is we'll all have shinning moments and we all have a blooper reel. And we all wish we could redo a few scenes.

However you see yourself, you do not need to compare yourself to another. It only leads to ill content, judgment, and honestly, depression.

We need only to look to God. In the book of Judges, God called Gideon a "Mighty Warrior" (Judges 6:12) when he was hiding from his enemy. God didn't look at Gideon and see what Gideon saw, He looked at Gideon and saw who he could be, who God created him to be. God looks at us the same way. No matter how you see yourself, God sees your potential. God sees who He created you to be. And to Him you are a Mighty Warrior.

When we compare ourselves to others, we miss the point. God created us all different. We are all unique -- each with a different story, different struggles and different gifts. When we compare ourselves to others, we will never live up to our own expectations. However, when we walk in obedience with the Lord, we can become everything He created us to be. You are a beautiful person who is covered in God's love and strength - You are a Mighty Warrior.