Restlessness

March 17, 2009

Streams in the Desert

Stay there until I tell you (Matthew 2:13)

O restless heart- beating against the prison bars of your circumstances and longing for a wider realm of usefulness- allow God to direct all your days. Patience and trust, even in the midst of the monotony of your daily routine, will be the best preparation to courageously handle the stress and strain of a greater opportunity, which God may someday send.

Wow! Isn’t it so neat how the Lord speaks to us through others? This devotion book, Streams in the Desert, was written and first published in 1925. It’s located in the Classic section in most Christian stores. It’s nestled in with the works of Spurgeon, Hudson, Murray, and Tozer. 

Today is one of those days that as I read it I feel as though I could have written it. The words make there way out of a heart that is guided by The Holy Spirit onto a page that will touch countless lives. I must confess that I have been restless. We are told to ”Be still and know that He is God” but it can be so difficult at times. 

One day very unexpectedly the Lord placed a word into my heart. I did not know when or where or how He was going to use it, all I knew was what I had heard. I have been like a child at the Christmas tree ever since awaiting to open the gift from my Abba Father. The being still part and waiting has proven I’am very impatient. But it’s been in the waiting that I have learned the things that only patience can teach.

He is in control and I’m not! His ways are higher than any of my preconceived ideas! He is never late and hardly ever in a hurry but yet always on time! Every time I have stood up and put on my spiritual running shoes, He gently has taken His hands and placed them on my shoulders and sat me back down. He has taught me to listen for Him. He has taught me to look for Him. His Word He has poured out on my thirsty soul. At times through my search, I forgot to just focus on Him and He graciously re-adjusted my vision. He took things out of the way so that I could see Him better.

I so want to encourage you that are in the “wait.” The only thing we can do is to be still and know that He is God. Without the waits in our lives how would we ever learn all that He desires to teach us. Can we get this through our stubborn wills and minds…YOU CANNOT RUSH GOD! You can honk your horn all you want…you can push and pull all you want….you can jump up and down in a fit all you want…you can beg and plead all you want but He, the immovable Rock of Ages, will not be shaken. Lord how I praise Him for that! He knows whats best for each and every one of us. He knows what it takes to shape and mold us and God forbid that we don’t allow Him.

Lean into the Lord today. Rest in Him. His will is perfect, pleasing, and holy. And believe that He will do EXACTLY what He says. He never ever never has broken one promise. Now that you can take to the spiritual bank!!!