“Rest in His presence without hurrying to get an answer.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 22, 2022
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Last summer, I wanted to spend a few days away from home so I could hear from God and seek Him for direction in my life. When my husband offered to gift me with a few days away in a small condo not far from where we live, I took him up on his generous offer.
When I first arrived at my temporary home away from home, I decided to take a walk around a nearby lake. As I went, I positioned myself to hear from the Lord. Without verbally saying, “God, I am ready now. Speak to me!” that is exactly what I was saying in my heart.
I felt frantic in my spirit, rushed and impatient. I had come there to hear from the Lord, and I wanted Him to hurry up and tell me what to do with my life. He didn’t give me any grand revelation as I walked around the lake and prayed that day but something else happened.
My spirit calmed.
I quit frantically trying to hear from Him and my emotions slowed. I just decided to be. Be in the moment. Be in His presence. Be okay that I didn’t have all the answers I was seeking right then. And I decided that it would be okay if God didn’t direct me in the way I hoped.
In waiting on the Lord over the next couple days, I emptied myself. And, in the emptying, it became more about Him revealing His agenda and less about mine. It became more about what He wanted and less what I wanted. In this letting go there was peace.
When we press into God for an answer through prayer or fasting, He is at work not only to give us an answer, but also to prepare us for the answer we seek. Waiting on Him is not wasted time. It’s when we can slow down and anticipate His direction. As we wait, our hearts calm and we learn to rest in Him rather than strive for what He can give. And a beautiful emptying can take place where our focus shifts from what we want to what He wants. It’s not just about hurrying to an answer. It’s about resting, quieting, and just being with Him—and in His presence there is fullness of joy!
After my personal retreat, I went home filled: filled with a deeper knowledge of His love, filled with gratitude and filled with peace. This didn’t happen just because God finally did speak to me. It happened because I slowed down to experience Him and experience His love.
“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him” (Psalm 62:5).
Prayer
Lord, help me to learn to rest and meditate in your presence, not just quickly expect to hear from you or to receive a fast revelation. Help me to slow down and experience your Presence. Amen.
Application
Take time today to rest in the Lord’s presence without an agenda.
Related Reading
Psalm 37:7; Psalm 131:2; Job 6:24
Worship Resource
Hillsong Worship: Be Still
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