If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m a doer. And sometimes a thinker. When I’ve really got it together, I think before I act. And I always most of the time have good intentions. Yes, I lead a busy life.
What is it that I do? Well, I try to bless my husband and children by being available to them. I read books that help me strive toward excellence. I volunteer for school projects, agree to sing on our church’s worship team on a moment’s notice, if another singer can’t make it. I write. I plan. I do.
And my intentions are usually to serve God through serving others. But how often do I leave God behind in the dust while I’m charging forward? I had a little wake up call in church yesterday. The pastor was talking about loving God. He said that service is good, as long as it’s flowing out of a love for God. But he cautioned us not to leave God behind in our service.
When is the last time I spent some quality time with God, just reading my Bible and spending time in prayer? I’ll admit that I pray frequently. I’m the master of short little prayers throughout the day. But too often, my Bible reading is an intention I never actually get around to doing. Why? Because I’m too busy serving God. Does anyone else see a problem with that?
So this morning I got up to workout. I would have read my Bible first, but I know from past experience that reading anything as soon as I wake up only serves to help me fall back to sleep. So I worked out, and then I opened my Bible and read. And I prayed. I prayed that God would help me see when other things are getting in the way of my relationship with Him.
And I remembered that familiar verse.
Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10
It’s been to long since I was still. When is the last time you were still?
As I closed my Bible and set about my morning, a worship song started running through my head. Let My Words Be Few by Matt Redman. Just be still. And experience God.
Photo by cadmanof50s.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Pete says:
thanks for the post - it is nice reminder that sometimes we just need to be still and listen to God, or pray, or spend some time in the word. I’ve recently started going to a Bible Study Fellowship class again -a good way for me to be disciplined about being in the word. Now if i could just start working out in the mornings like you
February 4th, 2008 at 8:48 am
Susan says:
Lynnae, Oh I agree. Being busy all the time, even while doing worthy activities, may not be the best for our faith. In fact, the Bible makes a point to show that Jesus often went alone to have quiet time and to pray.
I think those quiet times of prayer and devotion with God help refresh and strengthen us.
It’s a lesson I need to take to heart and make a habit.
Thanks for the reminder!
February 4th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Julie Stiles Mills says:
“Be still.” That is SO hard for me. One thing I strive to do is “abide.” I’m a doer too. Abiding isn’t a task, so I have a hard time with it. I have to schedule it. I miss it when I don’t. I just cleaned my back porch on Sunday afternoon and my best place is sitting out there. No book. No laptop. No music. Just nature. Maybe a cat on my lap. Evidence of Him. Thank you for the reminder. I’m stopping for lunch. Followed by some “abiding” time.
February 5th, 2008 at 8:48 am