Over the past several months I have been looking for solitude. I have been looking for a quiet place to reflect, to meditate on the Word of God, to ponder all that He has done and all that His word promises. I have stepped away from certain things in my life like blogging trying to force myself to be still before the Lord. It is hard in the midst of a busy life to be still, let alone try and find a quiet place. But I also realize that other things such as hurt, grief, difficult circumstances and pain cause us to step away from things that we once enjoyed as well.
A friend recently asked me why I didn't blog anymore? I told her the time it takes not just to write a post, but also the time it requires to read others posts. I also told her that I have come to a place where sharing so much of myself (or maybe so little of myself) to the world wide web all of a sudden seemed strange. I am still grappling with that a bit, but praying about where to go with this.
One of the things that has helped is a study I have been apart of titled, "Discerning the Voice of God" by Priscilla Shirer. It has been speaking to so many places in my life. It has been one of those studies that you wonder if she wrote it while listening to your thoughts. I have hi-lighted or underlined almost every page in the book as well as written all over the margin.
She has fabulous quotes in the book and this is one of many: "Whoever seeks God as a means toward desired ends will not find God. The mighty God, the maker of heaven and earth, will not be one of many treasures, not even the chief of all treasures. He will be all in all or He will be nothing. God will not be used. his mercy and grace are infinite and His patient understanding is beyond measure, but He will not aid men in their selfish striving after personal gain. He will not help men to attain ends which, when attained, usurp the place He by every right should hold in their interest and affection." A.W. Tozer
It's those words, "selfish striving" which jump off the page. I see so many places in my life where I strive. Even in that which seems good and right. Recently the Lord brought me to a familiar verse in Psalm 46. Verse 10 says, "Cease striving and know that I am God." It was like a cool breeze on a hot day which carefully moves across your face and brings the comfort you were needing.
Now I am learning how to apply this word to my everyday busy life.
11 comments:
Chris, This is beautiful, and what a great quote/excerpt.
I totally "get" where you're coming from about blogging, but I do miss you. That's the hard thing; I've been so blessed by the friendships I've made through this, and when folks set it aside I feel the loss. Especially when it's someone that always posts such thoughtful and perceptive things for me to think on.
I too understand your thoughts on blogging ... the time it takes and the sharing of ones life for the whole world to read ... it is something that needs to be brought before the Lord constantly ... it may be just for a season that it is the right thing to do. But please know that the words you have written on this blog in the past have been a real blessing to me ... God has spoken to me through your blog. I'm not saying that's a reason to not give up ... but just to let you know that God has used you in this way and I pray that He would bless you for that. Thank you for being obedient to Him.
I just.... love this. Cease striving. It almost makes me tear up. It is like a release from all the self impossed pressure. thanks.
That's a quote that could be pondered for weeks. Wow, good stuff.
It is so good to hear from you Chris. Always such wisdom.
I struggle with the blogging too - knowing full well that it has, far too often, taken time that should be used for worthier things.
Perhaps it is just this simple sharing of what He is teaching us and the encouragement it brings to others that gives it a measure of value.
I'm still trying to work through that too.
The quote is amazing - hitting me right where I live. Thanks so much for sharing your dear heart.
Have a blessed weekend Chris.
Yeah, a new post from Chris! I love reading your posts. I don't even have a blog and feel like I can't keep up with life, so I don't know how you bloggers do it. I love reading them though. I have a few of you gals on my favorites list. I check yours often and wait patiently for your good stuff. Love you dearly!
Chris,
I understand your struggle. I've been feeling the same lately. It's hard to find motivation to blog, and I've been working to find that balance.
For the record...I so enjoy reading your bits of wisdom, and have missed you! (And I love your new look!)
Beautiful. Balancing the real and the virtual is a struggle here too. Though, like Melissa, I do love reading when you're posting.
Hi Chris - a perfect post for today! I think there is a perfect balance of what/how we share. For me, I know I want my blog to have meaning and to encourage. To be a place of refreshment and to help women get out of their rut. I find that in yours, too. You always have something with meaning, to share. And I appreciate that about you!
Just popping in for a visit. xo
I had almost given up checking for a post....but that was worth the wait!
You write with such honesty. Thank you for being a transparent, usable vessel.
Hugs dear fried.
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