Did you say wait?!?!
Hello beautiful Flourish ladies! I pray this summer is gifting you incredible moments with family and friends! I want to take a moment to send each of you a quick encouragement in the midst of the summer. As we know, Pastor Jake has put out a call for the church to rest and replenish this summer. We know that God has great things in store for us, your families and the Church in the fall. We want to do all we can to rest and replenish so that we can be ready to do all God has for us. One thing I am learning, which Pastor Jake talked about this past Sunday, is that a sign that I am not being replenished is when I begin to have what I would call a “victim mentality.” I will be in the middle of doing life and all the sudden "victim" thoughts will begin to come into my heart. Thoughts like, “Does anyone see me? I need help. This is so much. I feel all alone.” Sometimes they are subtle and sometimes they are strong. One thing is for sure, they are a sign that I need to sit and wait in the presence of God.
See the word of God says in Isaiah 40:31, “…but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” So many times I underestimate the power of waiting in God's presence. The Lord desires for us to steward our own souls well. Many times, I believe the place of exhaustion, offense, bad attitudes, and the like, come from doing life out of our own selves and not out of the overflow of our time alone with God. I encourage you today, in the middle of your summer, to take inventory of what is coming out of your heart and mouth. Are you easily angered? Are you easily offended? Are you discouraged? Are you happy?
The Bible also says that in Proverbs 4:23, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.” Wait…that just said THE ISSUES OF LIFE! That means, our anger, attitudes, offenses, joy, and happiness all come out of our hearts. All the issues of life start in our hearts…wow. One thing I know, is my heart is my responsibility and I must guard it well.
So today, as you are seeking rest, replenishment and more, I want to encourage you to join me in waiting. Take time daily to just be still and wait on God. Read the word and then let God speak more to your heart. Set a timer if you have to and start with five minutes of just being peaceful. Let's allow God to do business with our hearts.
Flourish well today!
Xoxo
Hannah