Thursday, December 21, 2006

God Knows...

It always amazes me how God knows just what we need and when. He always does, I don't know why it continues to amaze me, but it does. I had just been thinking the last couple of days about how busy everything is trying to get ready for Christmas. I have been baking like crazy, wrapping like crazy and have now started thinking about the salsa and 4 or 5 pies I will be making on Saturday. I go to bed exhausted and I know that I am not giving God my best. In fact, I made a personal commitment tonight to quit letting the holiday activities consume me and give God more of my focus. As much as I love the holidays and Christmas time, I should not get so consumed that God gets my leftovers. Because to be honest, if I'm not careful, I don't even have leftovers to give Him.

As I said before, God always knows just what we need and when. As I have been thinking about how much I need to refocus, I received the following poem through an email ministry tonight and it really opened my eyes as to how out of focus I have become lately.

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Quiet My Heart, Lord

Quiet my heart, Lord,
and show me a Christmas
as peaceful and calm as
an old cattle shed...

Slow down my pace, Lord,
and help me seek Jesus,
the Son of Your Love,
in a humble straw bed...

Steady my spirit, Lord,
call me from chaos
in simple surrender
to pray and rejoice...

Breakthrough the busy,
too-bright celebration,
and whisper your message.
"Be still...hear my voice..."

Be still and know that I am God..."
Psalm 46:10

--Author Unknown

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Even though I love Christmas and all the excitement it brings, this poem spoke volumes to me about the need for me to be still. I need to seek the Lord in the middle of the chaos, slow down and listen to Him whispering my name.

As the busyness and fun of Christmas creeps in upon us, let's remember to Be Still and listen for God's voice. After all, He does know just what we need.

I hope that everyone has a very Merry Christmas!!

5 comments:

Terry Rush said...

I once was consumed in the demanding rat race of progress. God totally released me into sanity when I hit upon Romans 9:16 which in a way says, "If it is to be, it is up to Him."

I had always thought it was up to me. It isn't. I've learned to be bold to say no when my body, or my mind, or my heart needs to say no. The important work will get done...although I don't know how.

I get more done because I now live believing it is up to Him...for it is!

I love you today!

Anonymous said...

Sister Liz,

This is a great application of the Psalmist's message. Thank you. I enjoyed this piece.

Bruce Archer

Melanie said...

I really needed to hear this today. I've been consumed by the Holiday busy-ness. I really want my children to know the Peace of the Holiday and I can't teach them that if I'm not living it! Love you!

Lynn Leaming said...

Liz,
Thanks for your transparency and this post. This Christmas has been hard for me because I can't do all the things I am used to doing. Not decorating, not shopping, not cooking, etc. Instead of seeing the blessing the opportunity to actually sit and be quiet, I have been sullen and feeling sorry for myself. One of the things I like about Blogs is you learn from not just the original post, but those who respond. Terry's post especially spoke to me. God continues to try and teach me the lesson that He is in control and not me. Like you said He always knows what we need, and He knew I needed your post today, so thanks for listening.
May you and yours have a wonderful Christmas celebration

Liz Moore said...

Lynn, I can't even imagine everything you have been through. No one would fault you for anything you may have been feeling. You are such a strong and courageous warrior for the Lord. You are His light to many in this world. Terry as well as others are such encouragers to me as well as any who has the opportunity to hear their words. I am glad that you were able to receiving a blessing through my blog. But your courageous fight has truly been a blessing to me as I know it has many others. May God continue to bless you and continue to heal you as you continue to live for Him. To God be the Glory. Merry Christmas to you and your family as well. Please keep me posted on your progress. I don't always get the updates. Love you, Liz