Insight for Today
A Daily Devotional by Pastor Chuck Swindoll

A Necessary Change

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There is a sign along an Alaskan highway that has brought a smile to many a motorist: "Choose Your Rut Carefully . . . You'll Be in It for the Next 150 Miles."

Author Henri Nouwen, in his book In the Name of Jesus, admits to being in one for well over twenty years. Judging from externals, he had it made; the University of Notre Dame, Yale, and Harvard were on his resume . . . not too shabby. And his field of study was equally impressive: theology mixed with courses in pastoral psychology and Christian spirituality. Nothing wrong with that, but the rut got so deep he began to churn internally. Listen to his honest admission: "After twenty-five years of priesthood, I found myself praying poorly, living somewhat isolated from other people, and very much preoccupied with burning issues. . . . Something inside was telling me that my success was putting my own soul in danger. . . . I woke up one day with the realization that I was living in a very dark place and that the term "burnout" was a convenient psychological translation for a spiritual death."

Nouwen asked the Lord to show him where He wanted him to go and he would follow. The Lord made it clear to him that he should leave his prestigious role as a distinguished professor at an Ivy League university and join the L'Arche communities for mentally handicapped people.

The lessons awaiting Nouwen were numerous: some painful, a few humiliating, but all of them necessary. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, he experienced a change deep within his own being. The master teacher learned to be the humble servant . . . the self-confident, proud individualist became a compassionate, caring friend.

Most of us have no idea how deeply entrenched we are in the rut of routine. Externally, everything looks fine. Our activities often revolve around the church and Christian friends we love. Unfortunately, this rut of religious activity can numb our souls until we find ourselves in need of spiritual refreshment—a fresh touch from God.

It's then that we need to slow down, pull out of that rut, and take a different path. Sometimes this means just getting away from it all—literally—a place where there are no demands on our time, where we can find spiritual renewal.

Slow down, be quiet, watch the squirrels, gaze at a sunset, and think through your life. GET OUT OF YOUR RUT.

Filter out the essentials from the incidentals and reestablish your walk with Christ.