“‘For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. Ezekiel 34:11 NIV
There are days when so much is whizzing around me that I can hardly hear my own thoughts. And as much as I find it embarrassing to admit, Friend, I can get swept up in all the ‘less important’ details of the day.
But if I quiet my soul and sink my spirit deep into the calm of Grace, I am reminded that my Heavenly Father sees me. Actively searches me out in the busyness of my so-called ‘filled’ daily routine and promises to look after me. I hope that soothes your weary soul as it does mine.
But I have to act upon what I know to be right and true. I must get still. Shush and silence the noise of the world that tugs on me for undivided attention.
Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself, like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk. Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me. Psalm 131:2. New Living Translation
There are some things that I do have control over. One of those things is my next move. And if I move in the direction of stillness (and if that doesn’t strike the oxymoron neuron connectivity in you, it’s time for coffee), I will find God sitting there in our favorite meeting place — waiting for me to show up.
As I reflect back on my behavior as a child, I have to chuckle at how active I really was. I was constantly thinking of projects to develop and launch. As a teen, I would spend countless hours sewing (look up the words: sewing machine — we used to do that back in the day) my own clothes and even side hustled making clothing for friends to earn a few bucks.
Sliding into adulthood, one would think that raising three children and working full time outside of the home would be more than enough — I know many, many of you can relate. But even in the tiny cracks of opportunity throughout my day, I will find BIG justification for crocheting an afghan for a friend, organizing a meal for a family in need, volunteering for this and that … and yes, it all sounds godly and noble, doesn’t it?
However, it takes me away … not the Calgon way … but it deters me from time alone with GOD.
I can get all those things done in the time allocated for it. There’s definitely nothing wrong with setting time aside for projects.
Yet, the time with my Heavenly Father is sacred. It is holy. It is deemed as sanctified. If anything, it should be the one thing I handle in my day with utmost reverential care.
But it doesn’t always roll out that way. Does that ever happen to you, Friend?
This day I am thankful for the Holy Spirit’s nudging and tugging and whisperings into my spirit. It is He who turns my heart to remember and acknowledge that I have the most important appointment awaiting me in the course of my day: to be in His Presence. His magnificent love waits so patiently for me to settle in with Him so that we can commune and just spend time together uninterrupted. He Whispers gently so I can respond intently. I am utterly grateful that His Patience never runs out on me, even in the midst of mindless excuses.
He waits for me to show up and invite Him in.
Time, Sweet Friend, is something you can never get back; once it’s spent, it’s done. No leftovers. No rebates. No re-do. You simply have to keep moving forward and commit to doing better with your next opportunity.
My resolve: I call it ‘time tithing.’ Yes, just like we choose to steward our finances (first and foremost, right off the top) and willingly give back to GOD what is rightfully His, that tenth of my day time is His. And I’m so thankful I decided to do it. Everything else falls into place. I consciously make time for GOD, rather than trying to find the time for Him. Makes a huge difference.
Have you had your time with Him this day, Friend? If you haven’t, don’t let another moment pass — put this aside if you must, but prioritize your Lord above all others. And I guarantee you will be Blessed.
I love you to Heaven and Back, Girlfriend ~~
LindaRJohnson, TitusTwo Visionary
Titus Two 