"Be still and know that I am God"- Psalm 46:10
I have always called the above verse my 'life' verse. A few years ago I was going through some trials and I distinctly heard God telling me to 'be still'. I am one of those people who always wants an answer 'yesterday', so learning to 'be still' was, and is, a real stretch for me. Of course, I am finding that it's a real stretch for most people.
Lately, I have heard God telling me to 'be still'....again! This time it is not because I am anxious about anything, but because I have had a hard time finding real, honest to goodness, alone time with Him. Life is busy and I am having trouble shutting out life! You know how it goes. You start out with the best intentions. "Tonight I am going to spend some alone time with God. I am so excited. Here I come God!" Then, you get home.........
The intentions fly out the window as you are greeted at the door by 3 girls who are 'dying' to tell you about their day and ask you to drive them all over town to a variety of places they need to be. Before you leave, though, they pull out various pages of paper and begin to read them, usually simultaneously as a bonus effect, and ask for your signature. Just as you pull into the driveway from being their personal chauffeur, one of them is curteous enough to inform you that you need to go to the store and pick up some *insert item here*. Even though, you just left the store and made it a point to ask them if there is ANYTHING else we need! The cell phone begins to ring as people realize you are off of work. You notice the dog is licking the floor and you come to the conclusion that nobody remembered to actually feed the dog. We only discussed it 5 times that day. ETC! The list goes on. By the end of the night I plop into bed, bow my head, say a prayer, grab my Bible and try to read, at least, one chapter. Yes, it's quiet, but it's not quality time. And, to be honest, just because the house is quiet, my brain usually isn't. It's still trying to figure out what happened when we walked in the door.
I asked my Bloggin' Buddy, CDCVersion, if she had any suggestions and she came up with an idea for Indian Lake Papa to host a poll asking readers to share what they do when they want quiet time with God. It was an awesome idea and many readers have shared their 'secrets'. (If you haven't read CDC's or Papa's blogs....please do! You won't be disappointed. Just click on their names:) I am looking forward to reading the responses again and 'stealing' some habits!
8 comments:
Heather, I love that verse. Something in those 8 short and simple words speak peace to me. It's an awesome command from Creator God that comes in a quiet way, yet somehow booms out over all creation...and we all stand at attention. We acknowledge His Sovereignty, and that He truly is ultimately in control.
Your life is full...job, children, duties and obligations to both...and I don't know how you single Moms do it all. God knows your heart, and He will provide a way for you and Him to rendezvous. He loves you so much, and He understands your hectic schedule. He'll honor your request and search to find that alone time with Him. I promise! You asking the question, IL Papa posting the survey...all of it is coming together to help a lot of us realize the importance of just being still and knowing He is God.
Love and Blessings, dear friend!
I go away. To Barnes & Noble or a bookstore and am able to concentrate without constant interruptions. Or occasionally put husband in charge and seal myself in the bathroom and take a nice, hot bath while reading something wonderful. My husband is very understanding about my needing to find quiet time after being with little kiddos all day!!
When I really miss my chances to "be still" is when he is traveling. There's no 'back up' to help you get that quiet time that you need!
I also pray when I'm driving or in the shower. When you are a busy mom, you need to grab whatever quiet time you can!
Great post! I can't wait to check back and see what other people suggest!!
I think there are two aspects to having time with your heavenly Father, listening - and doing. After our devotional time of being "still" we need to look for those "divine appointments" through out the days. I missed one when I was a young SS teacher for the youth. A teenager wanted to talk to me after SS class and I said; "We need to get into church service." I forgot all about it - two weeks later he committed suicide. I will always wonder if I could have helped him through that crisis. I try to listen and see those appointments clearer.
I totally understand what you are saying. If I do not get up early and spend the time with my Father, then it does not get done. He has to be important to me. I find myself withdrawing from everyone if I fall out of practice. The word is my first step and then I pray and tell the Lord I am available for His work. God will guide you will grow in Him. God bless you for a willing heart. Love Tanya
Yes...knowing when to "wait" is hard...and the actual waiting is even hared,,,I think we all struggle with that from time to time. Sometimes it's hard to tell if the voice you are hearing is God's or your own. I hope things are getting better for you and I will keep you in my prayers.
Blessings,
Robin
Great post Heather. I related to many things you said. You are such a good mother. Wow, you are busy just like me. My teens need to be so many places, yet they do not drive yet. I'll check that site. Thank you for sharing it.
For me I usually only find time when I get up earlier than the rest of the family, but some times I can't make myself wake up. I look forward to reading what others do for quiet time with Jesus. Kathi
What a great post. I like to get up early and spend time with the Lord and then throughout the rest of the day I talk to God. You are a busy mother that is for sure and it is so important to stay close to the Lord!
Hugs, Sharon
Isn't it funny that when He speaks volumes in our lives of being still is when we are the busiest?
God knows when we need a breather, so we can get refreshed, renewed, and restored.
Love ya!
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