Today’s Daily Bread ~ Be still and know…

Psalm 46:10-11 – Be still and know that I Am GOD!  I will be exalted among the heathen; I will be exalted on earth.  The LORD of Hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge.

You may or may not have noticed that I took a week off of writing over Thanksgiving week.  My goal was to eliminate the “hurry” of my everyday life.  I wanted to spend time with God with no agenda, and no deadlines.  My goal was to sit in His Presence, pray, and follow where He led through the Scriptures.

That was the goal.

The reality was more like this: Oh my goodness we have all the Thanksgiving day shopping to do and I’m making four dishes plus a pie and I have to clean the house and do we know anyone that has no place to go?  Don’t let me forget to get those prescriptions refilled and I want to really just throw myself into the kids and laugh and play and roll around on the floor and oh my goodness HOW many shopping days left to Christmas?  Ok, call the sisters see what the nieces and nephews want and who is in charge of stockings and my friend Michelle is back in town for just four days you have to come over so we can catch up and the kids can play and, and, and, and…..WHEW!  And that’s just the abbreviated version.

I felt God nudging me to stop for a minute and spend some time with Him.  So after a day of crazy errand running, tired kids and a frustrated me, I put a movie on for my children, turned off my phone, and sat down.

I was a sentence and a half into my prayer journal when the Holy Spirit simply silenced me and took over.  This is what He gave me, and I feel called to share it with you.  During this busy time, let us make sure we remember the most important thing.  God bless you.

Just come into my Presence, my love.  Don’t worry about your to-do list.  Set your deadlines aside.  I am holding everything in my hands, and I will strengthen you to complete your work.

What are you concerning yourself with?  Does it glorify me or further my Kingdom?  There is nothing so pressing that you can’t first stop and sit with me.  Sit quietly.  Breathe deeply.  You are anxious and troubled about many things.  Empty your mind of them, and entrust them to me.  Invite me to fill your mind with things that are pure and lovely and holy.  I tell you that I give you peace, but you must keep your mind and your thoughts fixed on me.  I will give you victory over all things if you are seeking my guidance and allowing me to work through you.

I know you are tired and weary.  I will refresh you and strengthen you when you seek me first in all you do.  Come to me before anyone else; I am a jealous God who loves you with an everlasting love!  Seek me in the morning while the day is still new, before the enemy has the chance to throw a single dart.  Allow me to prepare you for the day ahead.  Let me dress you in my armor; a helmet of salvation, a breastplate of righteousness, and shoes of steadfastness.  I will give you a belt of truth and a shield of faith.  I will arm you with the sword of my Spirit, which is my very Word.  Don’t tread down the path without me, for I will guide your steps and show you the path of life.

I have a storehouse full of blessings to rain down on you!  I want to fill you with my joy and give you peace that surpasses understanding!  But child, you have to let me in.  You must obey me, trusting that I am working for your own good.  Beloved child, I stand at the door and knock.  Open you heart, and let me in.

Dear Heavenly Father, we find time to indulge our guilty pleasures, and neglect Your Word.  We find time for play-dates and friends, yet spend only a few minutes a day in prayer.  Please forgive us for this, God.  We confess that we are not always good stewards of our time.  We confess that we get wrapped up in and worked up over things that are of little significance.  Please forgive us and convict us when we stray.  Please help us to seek You more.  God, You tell us that in Your Presence is fullness of joy, and we want that!  Please give us an insatiable hunger for Your Word.  Please help us to delight in You and only You, Lord.  You are so good to us.  Thank You for Your mercy and grace.  Thank You for Your Son, and the unfathomable work of the cross.  We ask these things in the beautiful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, and we thank You in advance as we walk in victory through You.  Amen.