Anyone else struggle with middle of the night anxiety? I have on and off over the years. This is one of the "on" times. It's so frustrating because you feel like you don't have control at night. When I'm worrying I'm in and out of consciousness and can't seem to be rational enough to release it to God. I wake up with a sore mouth from clenching, tight muscles and chest. And often I feel defeated.
But then I do what I did this morning. Get up, get my gunpowder green tea and the Bible and read, and pray and listen. This morning I was reminded that HE overrides all that stuff. In the light of day, all the worries of night seem very far away and His presence and truth are real. Slowly the anxious residue from the night seeps away.
I'm also reminded that this walk is not about me concurring all my struggles in my strength, and it's not about how I'm doing, but it's about Him doing everything through me and in spite of me. I am a broken and world-torn vessel, He is the perfect peace who reigns in spite of me and my down falls.
Sheww! Am I ever thankful for that!
HAve Faith
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Be Still
"Be still and know that I am God." for some that might seem like the most difficult thing in the world. Like a chore even. But it shouldn't be that way.
Being still is the only way we can really hear from God. It's the way He can break through and bring His peace and truth. If we are constantly moving from one activity to the next, on our phones or pursuing entertainment, we are missing out on God and we are missing the point.
In this culture, being still can be hard. It really starts out as a discipline. You may even have to start with a timer or something, but if you make it a regular part of your life...you will want to take time to be still.
As a young adult, I found it very hard to be still in God's presence. My mind would fill up with things I thought I needed to do better, or anxieties of the past. I soon realized that was the enemy trying to rob me of what God wanted to give me. Himself. His peace. An abiding sense of His presence. A constant communion throughout the day as a result of being still. When I realized that it wasn't about God giving me a list of things I needed to change or do (other than being still) I could rest. Relax in His presence. Then it became a blessing. Something not to be missed. A lifestyle choice.
Still think it's to hard? Here are some practical steps to help.
1) Take regular times to check out from technology. The phone and Internet are big distractions that we need to regularly take a break from. I have one day a week where the whole family turns it ALL off. Also, there is no reason to check Facebook, Instagram, Twitter...all of it all the time. They are all robbers of peace if not used in moderation.
2) Make tea or have some other "ritual" you do that helps your mind to focus on being still. A signal to your body to unplug.
3) Don't over schedule your life, even with good things. It's hard to be still when your calendar is so packed your are always thinking about the next thing.
4) Experiences are great but can't define a life. The inner life takes time and quiet. Try some activities that promote stillness and peace like hiking or being outdoors.
5) Pray and as Jesus to help you enjoy being still. He will.
Being still is such an important piece of our existence. It's one that gets lost in the craziness of this life, and it's a piece we must recover if we are going to be effective in this world and at peace in our hearts.
Being still is the only way we can really hear from God. It's the way He can break through and bring His peace and truth. If we are constantly moving from one activity to the next, on our phones or pursuing entertainment, we are missing out on God and we are missing the point.
In this culture, being still can be hard. It really starts out as a discipline. You may even have to start with a timer or something, but if you make it a regular part of your life...you will want to take time to be still.
As a young adult, I found it very hard to be still in God's presence. My mind would fill up with things I thought I needed to do better, or anxieties of the past. I soon realized that was the enemy trying to rob me of what God wanted to give me. Himself. His peace. An abiding sense of His presence. A constant communion throughout the day as a result of being still. When I realized that it wasn't about God giving me a list of things I needed to change or do (other than being still) I could rest. Relax in His presence. Then it became a blessing. Something not to be missed. A lifestyle choice.
Still think it's to hard? Here are some practical steps to help.
1) Take regular times to check out from technology. The phone and Internet are big distractions that we need to regularly take a break from. I have one day a week where the whole family turns it ALL off. Also, there is no reason to check Facebook, Instagram, Twitter...all of it all the time. They are all robbers of peace if not used in moderation.
2) Make tea or have some other "ritual" you do that helps your mind to focus on being still. A signal to your body to unplug.
3) Don't over schedule your life, even with good things. It's hard to be still when your calendar is so packed your are always thinking about the next thing.
4) Experiences are great but can't define a life. The inner life takes time and quiet. Try some activities that promote stillness and peace like hiking or being outdoors.
5) Pray and as Jesus to help you enjoy being still. He will.
Being still is such an important piece of our existence. It's one that gets lost in the craziness of this life, and it's a piece we must recover if we are going to be effective in this world and at peace in our hearts.
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