Things have a way of quietly piling up undetected as the
tyranny of the urgent crowds out those good intentions for spending quality
time with the Lord first thing each morning.
A tug-of-war goes on in your mind between doing what you
know you should do and tending to things you see need doing. You think, “I’ll spend quiet time with the
Lord just as soon as I finish this…” But
the quiet time never comes. One day
folds into the next, and before you know it, your mind feels like a mud-caked
shoe sole bogged down with layers of the demands and pressures of each
day. Heavy layer piles upon heavy layer
as you trudge on, determined to “make it” around just the next bend in the
road.
Before you know it, you are physically, mentally and emotionally
tired, become irritable and lose clear focus.
That’s how I felt most of the month of June. I pushed hard to market my books, arranged a
book signing, had to work with my web design team at WestBow over some
problems, wrote to numerous pastors, professional people, wrote my blog, did
face book, and created a Twitter account because I was told I needed one to
market my books. My mind was stretched
as I learned new things.
I also felt incredulous and disheartened as I heard a string
of news reports daily about new national scandals erupting in America . I felt a keen sense of loss for the beloved America I once
knew. I prayed about that often during
the day as I worked around the house and did what I had to do.
Besides that, I wondered if I’d ever have time to work on my
third book, wondered if I had what it took to make it to the “finish line” of
my trilogy for children.
In the middle of all this, a friend sent me a video
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=m2Lj0H-KHbY&list=RD02r-Yn4b9iClE&feature=endscreen When I played it, tears ran down my
face as I felt the Holy Spirit minister to me.
And then on Sunday morning during the message, our church
showed this same video! We had a
wonderful men’s series during June about finishing our spiritual race; those
really helped me too as I applied what was said to my writing.
Yesterday morning I decided to tuck myself in with God and
not come out until I was ready! (Kind of
like sleeping in until you’re “slept-out.”) My e-mails could wait, my blog could wait,
Twitter could wait, Face book could wait, follow-ups could wait, marketing my
books could wait, and my housework could wait.
I laid out some frozen meat to thaw for dinner and headed for my secret place.
When we built our house nine years ago, we turned a
“supposed to be bedroom” into a small second “living room” with bookcases, a
couch, two small chairs and a small TV.
I dubbed it my “prayer room.” I
used to spend my daily quiet time with the Lord at the kitchen table in the forenoons when Dave was at work. But since Dave is retired now and needs his space too, I
decided to go into my sanctuary and close both doors.
I began to tear up as soon as I was alone, and I got on my
knees and let the tears pour out in heart-felt sobs to God. He understands those kinds of unspeakable prayers,
and I’m so glad. I just wanted to be
quiet in God’s presence, not say a word, and let Him minister to me. The peace and relief I felt as the pressure
melted off me was wonderful. When I got up
off my knees I felt renewed.
Sometimes I think we focus on ministering to God in praise
and worship, when what we really need most of all is to be tucked into His presence
and let Him minister to us.
I thought of Mary and Martha in the Bible where Jesus told
Martha she was worried and upset about many things, but that only one thing was needful, and Mary had chosen it—to sit at His feet, rest, and let Him minister to
her. (Luke 10:38)
Isaiah 30:15 came to mind:
“In repentance and rest is your salvation; in quietness and trust
[confidence – KJV] is your strength…” This
scripture also came to mind: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest. Take my yoke
upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will
find rest for your souls. For my yoke is
easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew
11:28-30)
As I drank in God’s love and presence, a precious chorus from
years gone by came to mind:
“Shut in with God in a secret place,
There in the Spirit beholding His face,
Gaining new power to run in the race,
I long to be shut in with God.”
(Author Unknown)
(Author Unknown)
Our Creator knows how to minister to us if we’ll let Him.
“Peace, peace, wonderful peace;
Coming down from the Father above:
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray,
In fathomless billows of love.”
(Written by W.D. Cornell and W.G. Cooper)
Video link to hear this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZtuYAgHIvU
God bless you, dear reader!
*All Scripture is from the NIV translation unless otherwise
noted
Copyright © 2013
Elaine Beachy
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