Slowing it down long enough to “abide”
December 9, 2011 | Faith: Knowing Christ, Just me
“Can you come to a party?” someone asked.
I checked my calendar and realized that every day between now and Christmas (except for that day) was already filled.
I thought when my kids got older and left the nest that life would slow down, but it hasn’t! In fact, at times it feels like it’s gone into warp speed.
Family pulls one way, and I love those pulls and tugs. Deadlines refuse to go away, and I’m grateful for the work. Responsibilities demand their time, and I juggle, though I try very hard to practice balance.
But what I know can slip away in the busy times is my time with God. I feel that gentle pull right now. I talked with Him today while I put up the Christmas tree. I sent up a quiet prayer for a friend going through an incredibly hard time. I thanked Him for an unexpected blessing.
But we are created to be alone with Him. To push everything aside, if even for a moment, and close ourselves in. And the funny thing is, that while I desperately want and need that, I just keep pushing on, filling that time with other things.
The Bible calls it abiding in Him.
There’s even a promise attached to this: If you abide in me and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will and it will be done for you. (John 15:7)
Can you remember the last time you just let something soak in. Like a good long nap. Or a moment when you just focused on a loved one, his or her smile, laughter, their words.
To abide in Him means the same thing. It’s slowing it down and soaking in His presence.
And the promise? It’s not what most people believe. It doesn’t mean that we get whatever we wish, but that we are so at one with God that we ask for His heart’s desire, rather than focus on our own.
This girl needs that, in a big dose.
In fact, I plan to do that right now.
I need Him. Maybe you identify with that feeling. Maybe, like me, you’ve been going 90 miles an hour and you just want to slow it down for a moment and let God scoop you close to His heart.
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Yes and amen.
Grateful,
December 9th, 2011 at 7:31 pmKim
This was such a beautiful & needed post! I think I will make a slow down sign & post it up in my house to remind me. I have such a problem fighting against time & time always wins! I know my rushing & running is not God’s will! This could definitely be one of my new years resolutions!
December 10th, 2011 at 2:07 am