Lately, I have found myself writing about the things that I don’t really understand, or have yet to master on my own, and I want you to know that, because the reality is I am not writing this with everything figured out. It’s actually the complete opposite of that, and I believe that is truly the best part, because the Spirit proves to me time and time again that these are his words and not my own.
THE secret to life. It has a lot to do with what I wrote about a couple weeks ago – being fully satisfied in Jesus. I have found that no matter what I go through, what I tend to believe about myself, what my circumstances look like, or how I feel… that if I protect my quiet place I have all that I need and more. This quiet place is dwelling and abiding in God’s presence. This is precious time that cannot be substituted, given up, or exchanged at any cost. This is a place that changes everything, and that deserves the highest priority in our lives.
Life is hard. Life is inconsistent. Life is not dependable. Life doesn’t care about our feelings. Life is life, and at times it leaves us confused, hopeless, and alone. AND we can’t do it on our own. The truth is, spending time with Jesus is the only way to make it through. He is peace. He is consistent. He is dependable. He cares about our feelings. AND he never leaves us out on our own.
It is in this quiet place that Jesus reminds me of who I am, of how I am called to treat and love others, and of how he has called me to live my life. He has his special way of shifting and renewing my perspective so that everything in life is aligned and right again – it doesn’t always stay like this – but when I faithfully return day after day, he never gives up on me.
This world has many voices. Voices that will consistently tell you that you aren’t good enough, or doing enough, or trying hard enough. Voices that criticize the very things that God has called you to do. Voices that intend to distract you. Voices that bind you to fear, insecurity, and sin. So. Many. Voices.
The only voice that matters is the voice of God. So, why don’t we listen? And this is the question that I have come face to face with lately.
If I believe God to be all that He says He is, why would I strive towards anything other than developing a heart that is sensitive towards His voice?
I answer my own question with “well, because it’s hard.” The reality is, listening to God is not easy. We have fallen in love with the pace of life, and so much so that we no longer believe that we are actually in control. But, sacrificing the place that God promises to fill us up, has consequences that we fail to realize because of how fast we are moving. So, that’s where I’m currently at, and I am grateful to put my thoughts into words, so that you too can be reminded that it is perfectly okay to slow down. Don’t let yourself believe that slowing down automatically means that you aren’t doing enough, or that you’re failing in some sense. The truth is, slowing down, leads you to being strengthened and better equipped to do the very things that God has called you to do.
Slow down. Listen to His voice. Pray for a heart that is sensitive to His. Open your hands, and rest knowing that your quiet place is waiting for you each and every day. I am committing to sacrificing anything other than my place and time with my Father, because I know that without it I simply will not make it.