I opened up my laptop to begin writing this morning and was greeted with "Shutting Down," followed by "logging off." Then it took over an hour for it to configure the upgrades. Strange, I felt the same way this morning. I had my quiet time because that is what I do, but it took me a while to get started with it, and then it just felt like I was going through the motions. I opened my Bible and prayed, "Lord, I really need You to speak to me today. I am so downhearted. I need something, on this morning of all mornings."
Nothing caught my attention. Nothing got written down on the pages in my prayer journal devoted to "New Testament," "Psalms," or "Proverbs." I moved on to the section in my journal for Praise and I did write quite a bit there. I praised the God who loves me unconditionally, I praised the God of new beginnings. I praised the One who is my Rock, my Shelter, my Comforter, my Counselor, my Friend, My King. I praised the One who is faithful and true. Then I poured out my heart and sought His guidance. My heart still aches, but there is hope as I trust my heart to the One who loves me so supremely.
What would have happened if I had shut down with God this morning? What if I had "logged off" and not spent time with Him? I would be curled up somewhere alone and in tears. I would be beating myself up and thinking all kinds of unholy thoughts. I needed some upgrading this morning. And it sometimes takes time, and I sometimes get inpatient with the process. The computer kept telling me not to turn it off while it was configuring those upgrades and I was sorely tempted. But while I waited God had more to say to me as I thought over the words I read in Scripture and the way I am feeling today.
I did write down verses from my Old Testament reading. Not because they struck me in any particular way, but because the S.O.A.P. method requires it. From Numbers 14:20-23 I have a couple of thoughts. The first being the importance of intercessory prayer. God pardoned the people of Israel according to Moses' word. Yesterday I wrote about Moses pleading for God to forgive the people based on God's character. It would seem his prayer carried some weight. I don't think God needed any reminding about who He is and what He is like. I do think it was important for Moses to act as an intercessor for the people. And I believe his prayer was answered because He understood the heart of God and prayed accordingly. Which leads me to my second thought. Over the years I have come to see my quiet time as less about me convincing God to see things my way and more about me learning to see things through His eyes; because the more time I spend with Him in these quiet moments the better I get to know Him.
Grace, Peace, and Mercy,
Nothing caught my attention. Nothing got written down on the pages in my prayer journal devoted to "New Testament," "Psalms," or "Proverbs." I moved on to the section in my journal for Praise and I did write quite a bit there. I praised the God who loves me unconditionally, I praised the God of new beginnings. I praised the One who is my Rock, my Shelter, my Comforter, my Counselor, my Friend, My King. I praised the One who is faithful and true. Then I poured out my heart and sought His guidance. My heart still aches, but there is hope as I trust my heart to the One who loves me so supremely.
What would have happened if I had shut down with God this morning? What if I had "logged off" and not spent time with Him? I would be curled up somewhere alone and in tears. I would be beating myself up and thinking all kinds of unholy thoughts. I needed some upgrading this morning. And it sometimes takes time, and I sometimes get inpatient with the process. The computer kept telling me not to turn it off while it was configuring those upgrades and I was sorely tempted. But while I waited God had more to say to me as I thought over the words I read in Scripture and the way I am feeling today.
I did write down verses from my Old Testament reading. Not because they struck me in any particular way, but because the S.O.A.P. method requires it. From Numbers 14:20-23 I have a couple of thoughts. The first being the importance of intercessory prayer. God pardoned the people of Israel according to Moses' word. Yesterday I wrote about Moses pleading for God to forgive the people based on God's character. It would seem his prayer carried some weight. I don't think God needed any reminding about who He is and what He is like. I do think it was important for Moses to act as an intercessor for the people. And I believe his prayer was answered because He understood the heart of God and prayed accordingly. Which leads me to my second thought. Over the years I have come to see my quiet time as less about me convincing God to see things my way and more about me learning to see things through His eyes; because the more time I spend with Him in these quiet moments the better I get to know Him.
Grace, Peace, and Mercy,
I would love to hear about your own journeys. Feel free to share what God is teaching you, as well as your thoughts on my musings. May we grow in wisdom and understanding together.
3 comments:
I want to thank you for not wearing a mask, but being geniunely honest and real, my friend! "Shutting down and logging off" has tried to steal or distract me from the ONE and ONLY who has raised me up from the pit.Every day is a battle. How refreshing to hear your heart and it reminds me that even in my weakness, He is there. God is in the good times and low times. Thank you for encouraging me today~ your message blessed me ~ Kathy B
Kathy, it has been a day when I have really needed to be near His heart and not shut down. Even knowing it is where I need to be, near His heart, why is my inclination to shut down? Wish I could solve that one! Keeping you in my prayers sweet friend. I am glad the Lord used my words today to encourage you!
Miss your posting. . .are you on break for Christmas and New Years?
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