Do you ever have one of those days, or weeks, or seasons, where nothing satisfies you except Jesus and walking with Him?
Not the newest book on your Kindle, not the hot cup of Starbucks, not your new Born boots, not Cap'n Crunch with Crunchberries, not a jog in the rain or cleaning the fridge, not a hug from your best dog friend, or a visit with a 2-legged friend you love. Not a silent winter snow, or the promise of Spring "right around the corner", as my husband assures. No matter how much you adore them, not even the warm glow of your family laughing over a grandchild's goofy grin can completely satisfy in that time.
It is like sipping weak tea or old, flat Sprite when you are craving, searching for, hungering, no starving for a beautiful, sizzling hot, perfectly grilled ribeye steak.
Have you been there? Do you know what I mean?
Just spending time with Jesus, reading His word, sitting quietly with Him and learning a new truth you had thought you already understood.
Bathed in His joy that has become your own. Laughter and tears mingle. Miracles are not only possible, but are watched for and expected.
Thankful to your bones for His grace and mercy.
Loving Him because He first loved you.
I just want to stay there.
Maybe you live there.
I wish I did.
But so many details distract me.
Dentist visits, groceries, work schedules and invoices, clothes that aren't fitting (see Cap'n Crunch above), hair that won't work today, (that deserves it's very own blog), flood waters raising until it takes out your road and bridge, (okay, maybe that's us) dogs that die, children traveling overseas, American Idol, horses that need to be fed, and slow Internet speed that makes you curse and throw things. (I wouldn't do that, but I have no doubt that you do.)
I want to ABIDE even in all those things. I want to have JOY in the middle of the mundane.
I want my first, middle and last thought to be Jesus.
How do you stay satisfied with God and not find yourself seeking out other things to "satisfy" you?
How do you put Him first?
How do you ABIDE?
5 comments:
I love love love love LOVE this post! It speaks what my heart is screaming!
I find that keeping worship music on helps me focus on Him!
Diane!!!! I am so there!!!
B4 that LOVE your design here!!!!
Ok, back to the hunger thang (from Texas you know), I have just been realizing myself what it is to truly hunger and thirst for righteousness - I'm there. I know it - I live it and yes there are days when I wish that the distractions of this life did not rob me of my concentration on Him. Gonna just try to practice His presence every moment of every day. (sigh) Love this, Love you for sharing this - still want a retreat on your beautiful land - and LOVE HIM!!!
Abiding Still, Chel
Diane,
If Matt hasn't asked or told you that your testimony (the post on Randy's site - which by the way your link in your "testimony" to EPM doesn't work) was a large part of his sermon today...then, I get to tell you. He read up to the place where you confessed to Rod and choked up. It was delightful. I'm praying about what will come...and those who will be touched. Love you!
And, as to this lovely post, I'm finding the earthly things that even foreshadow the bliss of Heaven are disappointing. I want to just remain before Him, reading, meditating, praying, sensing His presence. My physical pain makes me go here more. But the distractions try to tempt me away...or at least try them out, to see if they will satisfy. I always feel so stupid when I fall for it again. Love your honesty here.
Amy
Hi Diane, it's Dena from Green Acres.
With my illness, I have many moments where He is the only thing that gives me peace, and helps me overcome the feeling of loneliness I feel on my bad days.
For me, Joshua 1:9 helps me so much.
Your post is very very good I like this very much and I really enjoyed to read this.
Thank you for sharing with us such a good post.
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