August 6, 2023
“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13b-14). (NIV)
“Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 (NRSV)
Did you view the title of this devotional and say “Barnacles” Hmmm! I am sure by now you are wondering what the barnacles of life has to do with anything biblical. God often places on my heart what He wants me to share in the devotional each week. Oh course, when “Barnacles” came to mind, I thought “really God!” I really need help with this one. Of course, God is faithful, and He always come through for me.
Before my husband passed away, we had the opportunity to travel fairly extensively. Some of the places we were blessed to travel were France, Greece, Spain, Italy, Hawaii, and several other Islands. One of my favorite islands was Aruba an independent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. I simply fell in love with this island mainly because of its sereneness. The other island was Rhodes of the coast of Greece. Rhodes was especially interesting because it was one of the islands mentioned in Acts 21:1-3, where the Apostle Paul and his companions traveled through various islands, including Rhodes, on their way from Miletus to Jerusalem. Rhodes was an important center in the ancient world, and Paul’s missionary journeys were instrumental in spreading Christianity during his travels.
I became aware of Barnacles long before traveling to any island or seashore, but its quiet difference to be up close and personal with them. If you have been to the seacoast, or an ocean harbor you might have seen some barnacles. These small shell-like creatures attach themselves in dense clusters underwater to the bottoms of boats, to dock posts and pilings, and to shoreline rocks and other submerged surfaces. Barnacles live only in marine or saltwater environments. They live on hard surfaces at all latitudes at all depths from the intertidal zone to the deep sea. Barnacles alone account for more than 1200 known species. Some are freshwater inhabitants while a few live as parasites on other animals. Some of them, like the acorn barnacle, grow directly on a hard rocky surface while others like the goose barnacle attach to it by means of a stalk. Many a barefoot runner on the seashore often finds his foot lacerated when he accidentally steps on a barnacle.
Barnacles also can “hitch a ride” and attach themselves to living things. They hitchhike on turtles and several species of whales, where they are known to travel for years at a time. Some barnacles try to latch on to other cetaceans, like dolphins. Along the shoreline in California, it is a common sight to see whales stopping alongside rocks as they migrate from Alaska to Mexico to scrape off barnacles. They secrete a glue-like substance and attach themselves head-first. The “glue” is so strong that even after the barnacle dies, its base may remain long afterwards.
No, you will not find “Barnacles” in the Bible! However, the concept of how they attach themselves and clinging is referenced in several passages. For example, in Psalm 63:8, the psalmist writes, “My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” This could be seen as an expression of the desire for a close relationship with God, and the recognition that God provides the strength and support needed to persevere in faith.
Also, in the New Testament, the concept of clinging is also mentioned in the context of marriage. In Matthew 19:5-6, Jesus quotes from the book of Genesis, saying, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So, they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.” This could be seen as a representation for the way in which believers are called to be united with God, and to cling to Him in a way that is similar to the intimacy of a marriage.
Most importantly, the idea of being “stuck” in one place is also relevant in a biblical sense. The Apostle Paul writes about the need for believers to move forward in their faith, noted in our theme Scripture saying, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” Philippians 3:13-14.
Why is this concept of being stuck or clinging so relevant is our Christian walk?
We as Believers in Christ must avoid becoming complacent or “stuck” in our faith, but to continue to grow and work toward spiritual maturity. Being stuck or clinging to something can be seen as a hindrance to our spiritual growth and development. It can prevent an individual from moving forward on their spiritual journey and may lead to feelings of stagnation or lack of progress. Being stuck and unable to move on in spiritual maturity can be attributed to several sinful habits and obstacles that hinder a person’s growth in their faith and relationship with God.
For example, in Christianity, barnacles could represent the idea of being “stuck” or anchored in one place, which could be translated as either a positive or negative thing depending on the perspective. On the one hand, being anchored in your faith and beliefs could be seen as a positive thing, representing steadfastness and dedication. On the other hand, being stuck in your ways could be seen as a negative thing, representing stagnation and an inability to let go of old habits and mindsets to grow or adapt. Below are some of the spiritual issues and common sinful habits that can impede your spiritual progress!
Some Issues In Our Christian Journey of Being Stuck or Clinging:
- Stuck in Skepticism and/or in a Particular Mindset or Belief System. Being resistant to new ideas or experiences that could broaden your understanding of your worldview or the world and your place in it. This can limit your spiritual growth and prevent you from reaching their full potential.
- Persistent Doubt and Unbelief in God’s promises and His Word. This can your hinder spiritual growth. When individuals struggle to trust in God’s goodness and faithfulness, it becomes challenging for them to move forward in their spiritual journey.
- Lack of Prayer and Spiritual Disciplines. Neglecting regular prayer and engagement in spiritual disciplines like reading the Bible, fasting, and meditating on God’s Word can lead to stagnation in your spiritual maturity.
- Unforgiveness and Bitterness. Holding onto grudges, consistently rehearsing old hurts, and refusing to forgive others can create emotional and spiritual barriers that hinder spiritual progress and block the flow of God’s grace in your life.
- Stuck in the Acid of Anger: Wrapped up in pride and self-centeredness can prevent individuals from humbling themselves before God and receiving His guidance and wisdom. It can also hinder you from serving others selflessly.
- Clinging to Worldly Attachments: Becoming overly attached to worldly possessions, desires, and pursuits can distract individuals from seeking God and His Kingdom first. This preoccupation with worldly concerns can hinder your spiritual growth.
- Stuck in Addictions and Temptations: Struggling with addictions or habitual sins can create a cycle of spiritual defeat, making it difficult for you to move forward in faith and experience your true freedom in Christ.
- Fear and Anxiety. Allowing fear and anxiety to dominate your thoughts and decisions can hinder spiritual growth. Trusting in God’s sovereignty and care is essential for progress in your Christian journey.
- Isolation and Lack of Community. Isolating yourself to a small group of people you feel comfortable with or only (those who agree with you) and separating yourself from a supportive faith community can make it challenging to grow spiritually. Christian fellowship and accountability play vital roles in fostering your spiritual maturity.
- Neglecting Love and Compassion. Failing to practice love, compassion, and kindness toward others can hinder spiritual growth, as these qualities are fundamental to your Christian character.
- Spiritual Complacency. Being satisfied with the current level of your spiritual knowledge or experience without seeking deeper knowledge and intimacy with God can lead to stagnation.
- Clinging to Material Possessions or Relationships. Placing too much importance on things that are ultimately temporary and subject to change. This can lead to disappointment, frustration, and a sense of emptiness when those things are inevitably lost or taken away.
In our lifetime we also will pick up a collection of personal barnacles that will attach themselves like parasites sapping the life out of us. They must be scraped off and allow the principles of God’s Word to anchor our lives.
Overcoming these sinful habits and obstacles requires intentional effort and reliance on God’s grace and power. Recognizing you are struck in any of the above issues and repenting of the behavior is the first step towards renewed spiritual growth. Engaging in regular prayer, studying God’s Word, seeking accountability through Christian fellowship, and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform the heart are essential in breaking free from these sinful habits and progressing in spiritual maturity.
Job did it! We can do it the same way – through faith. Faith is the only thing that can heal our hurts and the offenses of our past. Job scraped the barnacles off. It was painful! The scars would remain but his life was put back together. Strong belief in God was the prescription. His wife and his friends could not do it, only God could! Job answered God: “I’m convinced: You can do anything and everything. Nothing and no one can upset your plans.” Job 42:1-2 (MSG) Job lived 140 years after the hurts and saw sons, grandsons, great-grandsons, and great-great-grandsons. The Lord blessed Job with more than he had in his earlier life.
You can also forget your hurts, leave off your sad countenance, and be cheerful if you turn to God for your strength to do so.
Paul told the Corinthians, “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.” 1 Corinthians 10:13. (NLT)
Rx A SURRENDED 
HEART: Recognizing and addressing these issues and sinful habits can be an important part of one’s spiritual journey. It may involve letting go of old beliefs or attachments and embracing new experiences and ideas that challenge one’s preconceptions. It may also involve cultivating practices such as mindfulness, meditation on God’s Word and prayer can help an individual to become more grounded and focused on the present moment. Ultimately, the goal is to achieve a greater sense of spiritual clarity and purpose, free from the limitations of attachment and stagnation.
Philippians 3:12-16 I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward, to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. So, let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision, you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it. (MSG)
FATHER GOD: Thank You for Your Word that gives us clear instructions on how we are to live. Please Help us to deal with our spiritual and emotional issues as well as our sinful habits so we can be all that You have designed us to be and represent You well. Father God , please help us to scrape off the barnacles and live our best life for Your glory, in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent Name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen!