Life is hard. Jobs and spouses. Kids and church. Friends. Extended family. We all have a myriad of things that battle for our attention. The world would tell us that self-care is imperative. And although in some regards I agree, self-care is NOT the most important.
When you wake up each morning, what’s the first thing you think about? When you lay your head on your pillow each night, what’s the last thing you think about? When you’re dealing with that challenging employee at work. When your body says, “I want to stay home tonight”, but your heart/mind says, “but the group needs you there”. What’s your center? Your safe place? Your home?
I’ve done a fair amount of reading, studying, and generally having conversations with women who long for peace and a sense of an unhurried life. What’s the missing piece?
If we want the best example of a life lived in peace (or unhurried), we need to look at Jesus. Even though he had a tremendous calling on his life. Even though he was constantly interrupted. Even though he is GOD in the flesh. He made time away, quiet time, focusing on God the Father, his utmost priority. On the first day of his ministry (after being baptized by John), he left to go to the wilderness (for 40 days!!). After the death of John he went to a desolate place. After he fed the 5,000 he went up the mountain by himself to pray. It’s clearly in
his regular rhythm of life; not just a response in desperation.
How I feel about God, what I believe about God, and what time I spend with God, will determine how I respond to everything. But how I feel and what I believe are directly impacted by the time I spend in His presence.
Knowing His Word, listening to worship music, and being in His presence will transform your mind. Literally. By knowing His Word you can combat the tactics of the enemy. By being in His presence you carry a fullness of joy that transcends the daily challenges of life.
Most of us are guilty of saying we’re too busy. You know. All the things we listed at the top and a long list of others. But if we understood our utter dependence on God, nothing would stand in the way of our time with Him. NOTHING.
None of this is new. We’ve heard all of it before. But most of us have never had anyone to specifically shepherd us in these things. We got baptized and the Church said, “Welcome to the family. Good luck”.
This weekend I took four ladies away for a time to remember. To refocus. To sit with God; to look at Him looking at me. We hiked. We were still. We devoured His Word. We were served the most delicious meals. God loved us well.
So now, back in the hustle of every day life, the challenge is to maintain that focus. That desire. I pray that He finds us constantly falling before Him in awe.
Luke 9:23 ~ And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Love!!!! Truth and so much goodness! ❤️❤️