Do you ever find yourself wanting to rest in the Lord, but just aren't able to? Do you go through discouragement in your quiet time because you can't seem to squeeze in all the prayer requests? Or are you struggling to even hear God speak to you?
Lately, these questions have daunted my mind, because I have lived it. I get so flustered when I have "X" amount of time for quiet and can't seem to get anything meaningful "accomplished" in my time with the Lord. I would walk away with feelings of defeat and discouragement. I spoke to quite a few people about this, and I've tried everything from formulas on "how to pray", to putting on worship music, and also to finding a good devotional book.
All of these things are good, and have helped me in my journey! But one thing no one had suggested to me, was to just be still. That's it. No music. No order of operations. Just me in perfect solitude with my Savior. Now for a modern-day woman, there's really no such thing as doing nothing! It's a waste of time when so much can get done, or in this case, so much can be prayed for!
Here is where I think the feelings of guilt and discouragement sneak upon us! We feel we must be praying for something or someone all of the time and if we don't, our prayers are useless...or it really isn't considered "praying."
Friends, it is so easy to become overwhelmed with prayer requests, to the point where we feel burned out. I do not believe God designed prayer to be this way, or to be a recitation of prayer requests...even though it certainly can feel that way sometimes! I believe God designed prayer for rest and communion with Him!
Remember the story of Mary and Martha? Martha was so busy running around, trying to get things done, but Mary sat at Jesus' feet and rested. Martha complained about Mary, but Jesus COMMENDED Mary for choosing what is better! Likewise dear sisters, I want to encourage you to "choose what is better." Rest at His feet...It certainly won't be taken from you!
"Be still, and know that I AM God." Psalm 46:10 (emphasis my own)
"The Lord goes to battle for you, you need only to be still." Exodus 14:14
" But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
Yours in the Journey,
Shannon :)
I like this post Shannon. I can identify. In fact, a couple of weeks ago we bought and hung up a sign with Exodus 14:14! Confirmation indeed! Brian preached a message about setting aside time to listen to the Lord and I have been trying to be still for 10 minutes everyday. It's harder than I thought, sometimes I can't even stop thinking! Great post. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOh Emily! I'm glad! This truly has been a battle for me over the past few mos. It's so hard, when so much is expected of us everyday! EX 14:14 was what the Lord gave me when searching for a house! I'm glad to hear this is hanging in your home....I just might do that!
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