Have you ever noticed the things that make you anxious? What are words you most dread hearing? Some things that raise my anxiety level to new heights include having the telephone ring at 3:30am. Middle of the night phone calls are never good news. Ed McMahon from Reader’s Digest Sweepstakes has never been on the other end of those calls for me.
Something else that triggers high anxiety for me is the thought of being stranded on the highway. That’s why everyone in our household who drives has an AAA membership. Recently Jane and I were in the Toyota when a light that I had never seen before suddenly flashed on (yikes) then it went off (whew). Then of all things a few minutes later it came on again (yikes) and it stayed on (more yikes)! The light was actually a phrase that read REQSERVICE. Jane immediately reached for the owner’s manual and began searching. After several minutes of turning pages she read aloud the meaning of the indicator light. The auto computer is programmed to tell the driver when it is time for the oil to be changed. The indicator light stays on and does not turn off until the system is reset at the time of the next scheduled maintenance. (Whew) Nothing wrong with the car. I called the dealer, made the appointment and by the end of the week the indicator light will once again go back to sleep.
I have been thinking that there are lots of indicator lights in all of our lives. In the workplace if we do not do our work effectively a supervisor will INDICATE that we need to do things differently. On the home front if one is not functioning cooperatively or respectfully someone will certainly turn on the INDICATOR light. If the credit card payment has not been met the next purchase might involve an INDICATOR that refuses your purchase. The bank will send a very quick INDICATOR if you try to spend money that is not in your account. But what about my spiritual life? I wonder if we have any indicator lights about our walk with God.
Certainly there are several. A few worth thinking about might include “dryness” in your faith walk. Perhaps “lethargy” about prayer or attending worship. “Prayerlessness” is another sign. “Joylessness” is another symptom. “Anxiety” that seems to prevent us from “getting out of our own way”. Irritability is another symptom. The underlying message behind the indicator light is one we often do not recognize. It is a biblical image that reads “My soul thirsts for Thee”. (Psalm 63:1)
These symptoms are meant to be reminder lights that our souls are thirsty, and it is time for a refreshment period. We find refreshment in a variety of ways and places. Begin with a rest. Perhaps setting aside some quiet time and pray this prayer…”Lord your servant is listening” and then do just that. Sometimes spiritual dryness is not a bad thing although it may feel uncomfortable. It can be an indicator that we are getting ready for a deeper walk with God. Whether your indicator light is on or not I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday as we walk together.
Pastor Scott Kavanagh
