Prolonged struggle

Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Colossians 3:9-10 (NIV)

In life, there are situations that require immediate and urgent attention, yet there are others that we tend to put off and ignore, though they continue to take their toll on us. Instead of moments of acute crisis, they instead wear us down quietly and slowly over time. Though everyone’s experience has been unique, as I reflect upon the past year, I think for many of us, the initial crisis of the pandemic has given way to a prolonged season of weariness and exhaustion, with many of us wondering if this will ever pass.

When faced with seasons of prolonged struggle, the temptation is to grow inattentive and neglect our life with Christ. Yet as Jesus says in Mark 13, we must keep alert and keep awake in the face of this difficulty! Similarly, Paul encourages us to “put on the new self” and live faithful lives for Christ (Colossians 3:10). What is keeping you from an attentive and purposeful life of discipleship? For some of us, we may be facing an unavoidable crisis in our lives that is all consuming and in need of urgent intervention. However, others of us likely struggle with sins that are subtle and elusive, easily missed by sluggish and sleepy Christians. The drip is quiet enough that, spiritually speaking, we sleep right through it!

Where in your life have you fallen asleep? Where have the little foxes snuck into the vineyard that threaten to steal your joy and leave you unprepared (Song of Solomon 2:15)? Advent is an invitation to learn how to stay awake. May God give us the strength and courage to do so, even in the midst of this dark and difficult season.