Letdown

Have you ever been some place and you have enjoyed it SO much that you never wanted to leave? Maybe you were on vacation. Some place really nice and peaceful. So amazing was that place that you forgot what day it was or even forgot what your “real” life was like back in the world. It was wonderful. It was amazingly unforgettable. But then, you had to come back home. You had to return to reality. And when you did, you had that incredible yearning to return. To go back to where you just came from. That’s where I'm at right now and that's what I’m writing about today.

I have been feeling that way for several days now, having recently returned from three days of worship and celebration of Jesus at Lifest. I am finding that the workplace is a rather dreary place to return to. It’s kind of like depression in many ways. I’m moping around, not as happy and bubbly as I usually am. I am missing being at a place with all of my brothers and sisters. I miss all the late night talks and seeing old friends who I haven’t seen in a while. I miss it. Greatly.

And it’s not just me. Several others I have talked to feel the same way. My friend here at work feels the same. We have been mentioning it in our prayers this week. My friend at the company down the street also feels this way. Here are her words:

“Let down is right. I always feel that way every year but especially this year. There at Lifest we get to witness a bit of heaven and then back to the secular world much like the disciples.”

The Disciple’s! How letdown they must have felt after Jesus had been crucified. I bet THEY had an INCREDIBLE letdown after walking with Jesus for three years. After being the very presence of God – fully man, fully God. How depressed they must have felt in the days after His death. Questioning everything, filled with doubt, wondering about the future. What a sad time for them. But guess what. Things got better. WAY better!

On the third day Jesus rose from the dead. Oh, how that changed things! The disciples transformed from a bunch of self-concerned, frightened little wimps during the crucifixion to a bunch of passionately devoted men willing to die for their King after Jesus rose from the dead. And they did! Their letdown lasted three days. But after Jesus returned to life the disciples never experienced a letdown again. And neither should we.

We should remember that. I should remember that. I should be living for Christ, not for my own fulfillment. I should be living in such a way that exemplifies  and focuses on Christ. I bet if I did, I'd never feel letdown again. Whenever we feel letdown by someone or something, we must remember Jesus and what He did for us on the cross. Our lives must BE Christ.

"Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again." - Philippians 1:18-26

Beautiful Letdown – Switchfoot