James 1: 14-15 "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully grown, brings forth death."

I never truly understood how easy it was for me to stray from God until I was sitting in my hometown Church listening to the sermon this past Sunday. I recalled having the feeling of closeness with God that I hadn’t felt since I moved back to Raleigh for my Sophomore year of college.

I had noticed myself drifting. Trying to make time to read my daily devotional but never actually sitting down and following through with it. I noticed how I was becoming, once again, quick to speaking and slow to listening. Quick to becoming angry, slow to learning patience. Quick to judging and cursing, and quick to wanting and not realizing what I already had.

It’s amazing to me how, naturally, we cling to God in times of need. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.” But, why is this? Why, only then, do we as humans only run head first into the power of God when we are broken? Why do we not run to him Every Single Day when we are strong?

Jeremiah 50: 6 "My people have become lost sheep; Their shepherds have led them astray They have made them turn aside on the mountains; They have gone along from mountain to hill And have forgotten their resting place.”

We are all, simply, lost sheep in this world; myself, especially. We have become so consumed in idols of the world and materialistic possessions. I have noticed over the last few months, all I have been doing is wanting more and more. And when I want, I question why because I remember a time, when I felt like my relationship was God was at one of the highest peaks, I did not want at all.

For those of you who have gone astray, like me, pray for guidance. Take time to sit down and talk to God. When you want, remind yourself that there is a difference between wants and needs. When you feel the need to judge, sit back and remember the log in your own eye. During this post-election period, instead of hoping the president-elect does wrong, pray that God will use him beneficially for the country. When you encounter someone whose opinions do not match your own, accept that people view the world differently from you, and move on.

A journey with Christ is not an easy task. It’s a constant process of being aware of the pressures of the world and comparing those pressures with the love from God. It involves having to take a step back and viewing the world through His eyes. It involves a great deal of patience, love, and strength. When you feel like you’re going astray, take notice and change your ways.

Joel 2:13 “And rend your heart and not your garments. Now return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness And relenting of evil.”

Amen