Slow Down

I have a friend who I really enjoy but don’t get to chat with very often because we both have busy schedules and we live in different states. I often text her a quick greeting or a quick question and, if she can, she calls me back for a few minutes. The other day I sent a short message and she responded with a phone call.

But, this time was different.

We got through all the “official business” we needed to get through and then she said, “How are you and Don doing?” I explained we had been ill for several weeks and a few other things.

It is so easy to get caught up in our own drama.

Then I was prompted to ask, “How are you guys?” I do believe God nudged me to do that. It isn’t that I don’t care. Sometimes I try not to take too much of someone’s time and I cut short my natural inclinations of care and concern to not be a bother. But I am so glad I asked.

I had absolutely no idea, but she is going through some challenges on several fronts and I listened and asked a few questions. We weren’t in quick text mode — it was the share-your-heart conversation mode. She is in the middle of a lot. It’s not what one expects as you get close to all kids being launched. But then, not all launches go perfectly. And then with aging parents on the other side, well, you get the picture. Sometimes life gets messy.

She didn’t expect me to solve any of her situations. She simply shared her heart. And I am so thankful she trusted me with the less-than-glamorous parts of her life. I have been praying for her and her sweet family ever since.

I could have easily tried to “respect her time” and not ask how she was doing. She was intentional about asking me the question first. And I am thankful I asked the question of her.

Of course, there are times when things are hectic. But, by and large, it is important to slow down and check in with your people. Ask how they are doing and get ready to listen to the answers. You’ll be strengthening your friendship as well as deepening your prayer life as you intercede for them.

Be still before the Lord.

Psalm 37:7

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
over the man who carries out evil devices!

Be still before the Lord.

I am in a season of learning this. Sometimes I am too patient, but most times I am just impatient. I am mainly impatient with myself– with my progress, or, more typically, lack of progress. It’s easy for me to get caught up in the cycle of doing stuff — anything to keep myself busy when that isn’t probably what needs to happen. Being still before the Lord is a process. It’s a way for my mind and heart and spirit to be quiet before God.

I love to meditate on a short passage of Scripture. It doesn’t actually have to be an entire verse. It can be a snippet. If I read it and it is resounding in me, I like to see why. Of course, all of Scripture can resonate with me, but every verse doesn’t grab my attention at the same time. It can’t. Focusing somewhere means you are not focusing somewhere else. And so when I am busy doing something, it takes away from my being still and hearing God.

Be still before the Lord.

When was your last uninterrupted time of stillness with God. What have you missed hearing because you were too busy doing? Give Him an opportunity to shine His wisdom on your life!

PrayerPoints ~ Saturday, February 20th

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Today’s PrayerPoint ~ Psalm 10

“You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.” Psalm 10:17-18

It may not always seem to be true, but God does hear our desires. God hears the cry of the oppressed. There are times I get impatient with the amount of time it takes for a resolution to come for those who are suffering. It seems like they suffer a lifetime of grief. Other times I take issue with how the situation gets resolved because it isn’t quite the way I imagined it should go.

But we do live in a sinful and fallen world. And while I have a busy imagination, I cannot even fathom how God is going to work most things out. Sometimes He works in an instant but oftentimes He works through years and generations. He has a much bigger picture in mind!

I believe that God also asks us to hear the desires of the afflicted, encourage them, and defend the fatherless and the oppressed. But how often are we just too busy with things to take the time to listen?

I have had an amazing opportunity and privilege to be home with our four kids as they were growing up. Even though life was very busy, I knew it would have been very difficult to fit in a full-time job and remain sane. We didn’t take yearly vacations and we don’t drive fancy new cars, but I always try to be intentional about listening and encouraging those who are traveling through a difficult time. I may not have any answers or be able to offer much in the way of assistance, but the listening part is important. Listening always gives me things to pray for.

As you go about your weekend, practice listening. If you have a tendency to mindlessly scroll through your cell phone while in conversation with others, set the phone down and try to really connect and hear. There are so many distractions available these days that make the hard job of listening to another’s pain easier to ignore but don’t be complacent about connecting with others. God wants us to be His hands and feet and share His Good News of His saving grace but we often need to listen first to make a good connection!