Should We Run to or from it?
“Hurry Up!" "I don't have time." "I am so busy." All things I have said to myself when I am over overscheduled with too many things. I will admit; I am never bored. I can fill up every minute, and with all "good things." It can be tiring yet rewarding to step back and admire all of my accomplishments.
The problem is when I am in constant "go" mode, I am missing out on what God wants to say and do through me, especially when my Bible study becomes a quick read and a short prayer. I was a young mom working hard at home and career when out of nowhere a memory of hurt and shame caused by myself quickly came to mind. It had been buried, yet obviously blocking me from experiencing true intimacy with the Lord. It was like a red flag from the Lord that said, "it is time you deal with what you have been avoiding and find true rest and healing in me." It was time to slow down and trust that if I sat in the pain, God would help me ask all the right questions, reveal the truth, and bring healing and abundance for my life.
I was so occupied with all of my hurried life physically and mentally, that I did not have time to actually listen to what God might say to me. Honestly, looking back, I think I did know what He would say which is why I was afraid to stop. But then, in the quiet time of reflection with Him, I found true peace, grace, redemption, and joy that only He could give. It was only in really seeking Him that I learned His vision for me is perfect… and perfect for me.
As we look at the life of Jesus, He was busy doing the work of the Lord, but He knew when to rest. He took time to go away to be alone and with His Father. I would guess if He were here today, He would not be ruled by social media, Netflix or scrolling on His phone with every available minute. He would still find time to sit with God for rest, peace and joy.
If you live in exhaustion and hurriedness, could you be running away from (or to) something for fulfillment? Could it be from past hurts caused by others or yourself? Is it to find words of affirmation from others in an attempt to fill a void?
If so, there is hope. When we slow down, stop running and sit in His presence, there is healing and an everlasting peace that only comes from our Father.
Be still and know that I am God. (Psalms 46:10)
Reflection
What do you allow to keep you busy and distracted?
If you find yourself exhausted from being overworked, is it in an effort to run to or from something?
What might God want to heal in you if you stayed still long enough in His presence?
Goals
Name three things you will do to seek more of His righteousness and tackle your fears and worries..
Be still and know that I am God. (Psalms 46:10)
