THE TEMPTATION OF THE HAMSTER WHEEL

The hamster wheel is something I jump on when I've had a couple really smooth days. Days where I've stuck to the schedule, I got up early and worked out, I didn't yell at the kids, Mt. Washmore was defeated (for the moment), and there wasn't too much dog hair all over the place. But a funny thing happens after I get on the hamster wheel. I fall off. I forget to set the alarm, I get behind on chores, or I get taken over by hormones and everything seems to fall apart.

When things are going well (in terms of my earthly circumstances), it's very easy to jump on and continue in the flesh. But falling off really is a gift of God's mercy and grace. Messing up should not cause me to throw a pity party. It should make me praise God that He loves me enough to get my attention. He doesn't want me to continue in the flesh. He doesn't want me to depend on my own resources. He doesn't want me to keep jumping on that hamster wheel. Funny thing about hamster wheels. There's so much energy expended but you never get anywhere.

I no longer need to earn God's approval or continued blessing. The temptation to live a performance oriented faith runs deep in me. But God has been doing some serious and yet gentle excavating. In repentance and rest is my salvation. In quietness and trust is my strength. (Isaiah 30)