Friday, October 10, 2014

Stepping Out of the Traffic

Stepping Out of the Traffic!


I love how Eugene Peterson puts Psalms 46:10 in the Message :


“Step out of the traffic! Take a long,
    loving look at me, your High God,
    above politics, above everything.”



I am not sure about you - but sometimes, I honestly feel like I am caught in the traffic with no where to turn - no where to exit - no where to park!!  To think of stepping out of the traffic brings a sense of relief!!  I don't think I am the only one that feels this way.

Life has a way of speeding up ... sometimes we fill it to capacity PLUS and then we wonder why we are just "busy" running and finding it hard to catch our breath at times!  I have come to hate the word "busy"... I know that hate is a strong word - but in my opinion, the word "busy" has such a negative connotation.  Think of it - how does it make you feel when someone says "oh sorry, can't meet you, I am too busy" .  I think (and yes this is only my opinion) that we can get "busy" doing all kinds of good things.  Helping people - taking care of our family - working at a job we love - doing ministry/church stuff.  Yes ... all good.  However at some point, the "doing" overcomes us, and I for one - feel all done out!
Tired.  Overwhelmed.  Over scheduled.  Exhausted.  

Psalm 46:10 holds a special place in my heart, as it was this verse - these exact words that I heard God speak audibly.  I have only heard God speak loudly once - so loud that my eyes flew open expecting to see Him right there in front of me.  It was loud and clear and He said "be still and know that I am God."  I still get goosebumps thinking about that morning.  As the sun shone into the quiet room, and I sat there with my Bible closed, unable to even pray that morning - and there was the voice - HIS voice - loud and clear.
That is why this verse means so much to me.  God knew that morning, that I needed to hear those words.  

Be Still and Know that I am God
Be Still and Know that I am
Be Still and Know that I
Be Still and Know that
Be Still and Know
Be Still and
Be Still
Be

This verse is a call for us to "step out of the traffic" and put our life into park ..
not forward
not reverse
but stop and rest
cease striving
just soak up the presence of our most High God 
Step out of the traffic and into His presence
Into his arms
Put your head against His chest and hear His heartbeat for you!

I love to imagine sitting on his lap - just like my kids used to come and sit on my lap.
Just soaking in my love 
And feeling my arms around them.
I think that is how my Lord wants me to sit with Him.

I do this often.  I have come to see that I am someone who loves the quiet - the peace - the "being" part.  I guess this is why way back in 2000 He told me to "open up a place where women can go to just be".  I understood the "being" part.

So - my question for you is this - are you able to "step out of the traffic"  are you able to "be still" and know that HE IS GOD and He delights in you.  Yes - YOU.
We all have a unique walk with the Lord - I am sure no two of us are the same.
I hope that if you are so busy running - that you will make the time to just be still.
Maybe at home ...
     maybe while you are out for a walk
             maybe you are looking for a space to retreat to - 
away from the hustle and bustle of life?  

If so ... give us a call.  We have some space here - for you to "be still" in.
Call 204-416-3531 or email womenrefreshed@gmail.com to book your retreat!

Those are just my thoughts!  
Blessings,
Joy