I so wanted
to go to the Art Symposium I had registered for on Saturday, but my husband was
still feeling the after effects of his Lyme disease and didn't feel well enough
to push me in a wheelchair. You see, I've been practically nailed to the couch
since I had surgery on my foot, then hurt my left leg hopping all around the
place. I was so looking forward to going, but it was going to be a stretch in a
wheelchair.
Feeling
disappointed, I turned to read My Bible and the Lord gave me a gem "In
quietness and confidence shall be your strength (Isaiah 30:15 ). Anyone who
knows me, knows that I love to be busy doing a million things: teaching,
painting, reading, writing, gardening, going to plays, museums etc. But the
Lord tells me my strength comes from being confident in Him, trusting in Him,
not complaining, but being quiet.
In this crazy,
busy world we all need quiet times of rest, not just physical rest but
spiritual rest. We need to find that secret place under the shadow of the Almighty's
wings. It is a place of peace and trust in Him. It is a place of knowing that
God is El Shaddai , Almighty all sufficient. He is my provider, and gives me
" all
things that pertain to life and godliness”(2 Peter 1:3 ), which is not always
everything I want. I wanted to go to that Art Symposium, but God had different
plans for me.
Having been
strapped to this couch, I've had time to think and learn a few lessons. Numero
uno (Number one) is that the spiritual work God does in me is far more
important than what I do. I've had to learn that lesson a few times, being a
type A personality. I need to spend more time in that special "secret
place" so I can be filled with more of Him. His attributes of kindness,
mercy, goodness, self-control and agape, unconditional love will then replace the
not so lovely parts of my personality. Only then can rivers of living water
flow out from me to a parched and weary land.
The second
lesson I'm learning is don't let your job take up too much time away from
family, friends and church. More and more employers want to own you and your
time. Don't get me wrong, I really like my job and we should, but don't let it
steal from you what's really important in life-godly relationships. Connect
with people to pour out whatever it is God pours into your life to serve
others. That's number three.
King Solomon
tells us to find whatever your hands can to do that is before you and do it.
Wise advice. Just don't overdo it. Give to others, serve in the capacity God is
calling you, without any thought of getting in return. Give freely of yourself
after you've spend time with God, in His Word and prayer. Most importantly find
that secret place where you can abide with Him in the midst of the chaos of
this world. Don't be content to let that be just your quiet time, but abide
there, dwell, live. That's been my problem. I love my quiet time with Him, but
I've got to learn to bring more of that godly peace and love into the everyday
work a world. I need to quiet my mind, my heart and my soul to hear Him
throughout the day. and listen to His still, small voice. In the place I will
receive quiet strength to face any challenge thrown in my path. How about you?
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