Core scripture: “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.” (Proverbs 21:2)

Message: I need to be here today.  Writing.  On my blog.  It is one of those things I feel the Lord calling me to do.  You see, this summer has been different for me.  Not in a good way.  Laziness is setting in.  Lack of motivation.  I have too much time on my hands.  I know tons of people who work normal jobs that would LOVE to have just one day like me, yet I don’t feel lucky.  I feel just … bleck!

Sorry.  This is turning into more of a journal than a blog.  I need to get this stuff out and analyze why I feel I am missing out on something. 

Like this morning … I feel like I did the right things yet looking back my heart was elsewhere.  I read my Bible and devotion, but it lacked purpose.  I went to my Bible study, but I felt like I was going through the motions.  And then I got home just in time to see my wife off to her summer job.

“Is there anything I can help you with around the house?” I asked her. 

The floodgates opened!  Be careful what you ask for.  I soon got a list of chores before she was out the door.  So, I did them.  I cleaned the kitchen counter.  Scrubbed the sink.  Folded blankets.  Finished laundry.  Cleaned toilets.  Wiped mirrors.  I worked for a solid hour and a half. 

As I worked, I began to question my motives.  Where was my heart?  Why was I doing these chores?  Whom was I trying to please?  The answer was crystal clear: I wanted my wife’s praises when she returned home from work this afternoon.  That led me to remember Colossians 3:23: “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” 

That led me to further question my motives throughout the last week.  Did I mow the yard at the dog sanctuary we volunteer at to serve or to get exercise?  Did I pray over my wife because I wanted to look like a Christian man or to truly lift her up?  Was I throwing the ball with my boys at the swimming pool because I knew it was what I was supposed to do or because I wanted to savor time with them?

God knows my heart.  He can see all my intentions.  Although I may be doing the right thing, if the purpose behind it is not to glorify Him, I am in the wrong.  Have you ever felt that way before?  I think we all go through those phases at times. 

I need to get myself back on track.  I need to open myself to the Lord in prayer, expose my confused heart, and allow Him to redirect my sails.  Then and only then will I find the fulfillment that is eluding me now. 

Challenge: Evaluate yourself.  Why are you doing what you do this summer?  What is the core intention behind the steps you take?  Make sure you are living your life to please God, not man. 

Prayer points: Lift up the following areas to the Lord …

• Praise God for the opportunities He gives us to grow in the summer.
• Pray that the actions you take can be rooted in pleasing Him.

Prayer: Lord, You know me better than anyone.  Help me yearn to please You more than anything in this world.  Amen.