What if our greatest delight is found in the good portion, our portion, that will not be taken from us?
Psalm 37:4
“Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
We think joy is found in abundance.
FOMO
The degree of your presence will limit the degree of your enjoyment.
You cannot be and do everything.
Luke 19:47-48
After that, he taught daily in the Temple, but the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the other leaders of the people began planning how to kill him. But they could think of nothing, because all the people hung on every word he said.
He was a failure to the crowds.
Mark 1:32-39
That evening after sunset, many sick and demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. The whole town gathered at the door to watch. So Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases, and he cast out many demons. But because the demons knew who he was, he did not allow them to speak.
Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. Later Simon and the others went out to find him. When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.”
But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.” So, he traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and casting out demons.
He was a failure to the disciples & friends.
Matt. 11:2-3
John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?”
His family is frustrated with him.
Matt. 12:46-50
As Jesus was speaking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, and they want to speak to you.”
Jesus asked, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he pointed to his disciples and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!”
He was consistently a failure and frustration to those around Him.
He was a failure to them for two reasons.
1. He was a failure because He prioritized being present with His Father.
Luke 5:15-16
But despite Jesus’ instructions, the report of his power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases. But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.
2. He was a failure because He did what the Father asked Him to do.
John 5:19
So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.
John 8:28
So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I AM he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me.
You will be a failure to so many people if you make God’s presence in your life a priority.
You will be a failure to so many people if you do what God asks you to do. Sometimes those who claim to follow Christ. (Peter & Jewish Believers)
You will be a failure at everything except that which is most valuable.
If you do not come to reality that Christ, not what He can give is the satisfaction of your soul you will always be left wanting & engaged in a battle to have more.
What do you need to fail at in order to be present with God consistently?
What do you need to fail at in order to do what he’s asked?