Greetings, Dear Friends, and a Happy New Year to You!
And to those visiting, I say welcome! I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way. Each month I give away a $10.00 Starbucks gift card to someone who posts on my blog. So leave a comment, share a story or insight, and just maybe you'll win a jolt of java for you and a friend! It's time to announce the winner for December...
Jennifer Wallin, congratulations! Please email me your mailing address at: info@susielarson.com and we'll get your gift card in the mail within the next 7-10 days. Please note that you need to claim your gift card before I announce next month's winner. Thanks for posting on the blog!
As most of you know, I have a radio show,Live the Promise with Susie Larson The program now airs 6 days a week! Join us every weekday from 2:30-3:00 CST, and on Saturdays from noon to one, KTIS AM 900, on the Faith Radio Network, or listen online at: www.faith900.com We've had some amazing guests and some powerful dialogue. Hope you can join us!
Also, I want you to have the inside scoop. Be sure to check my Facebook page for a heads up on my weekly giveaways (that way you'll know when to call for a book you may want). I'll also post daily questions and may read your comments on the air.
Now on to my topic...
As we move into a new year with the holidays behind us, it's easy to put our noses to the grindstone until springtime, work at an unrelenting pace, all the while forgetting what it means to pause and rest along the way. Maybe it's just me, but this stretch from January to April tends to be one big blur of all work and very little play.
Today on Live the Promise we'll be talking about one of the MOST underrated physical and spiritual disciplines out there: REST.
All too often we equate 'Busyness' with 'Importance' when nothing could be further from the truth. While it's true, the Christ-follower will always have 'job security' (as long as we're alive, God will have something for us to do), it's equally true that God calls us to moments by still waters, to rest and to remember the provision and goodness of our God; to stand in awe of who He is and what He has done. Working as unto the Lord strengthens our spiritual muscles. Sabbath moments helps those muscles heal.
This morning I woke up with burning eyes after a fitful night's sleep. I had to be out the door much earlier than usual. From the get go, I felt under, not on top of my day. But as soon as I got in the car, I took a deep breath and exhaled. Next, I turned on the radio station and listened to the words of a beautiful worship song. I tasted the words, felt their impact, and embraced their truth. Then, I turned down the radio and began to pray out loud. I called to mind the greatness and the intimacy of my God; I thanked Him for the countless ways He covers me in the shadow of His wing. I humbled myself once again and put all of my fleshly risings under my feet - declaring instead that Jesus will be lifted up in my life and nothing else.
Within a very short time, I found my way to joy and fullness again. Psalm 16:11 reminds that it's in His presence where we find the fullness of joy.
There's something to be said about pausing, inhaling, exhaling, and right where you live - right where you stand this moment - looking for and finding the greatness of God in your midst.
Be-in-awe of the fact that He is right beside you, with you, intimately engaged with your concerns and hopes and dreams. Aren't we just so blessed that the most powerful force there is, loves us without condition?
The Bible says that the Heavens declare the glory of God and day after day, they pour forth speech. I'm sure you're the same way, but I see God's fingerprints every morning when I look up and see the sky. I see God's handiwork when I look around my house and realize that I have a roof over my head. I'm in awe that I have friends who love me and a husband who loves to pray. I treasure the fact that new mercies await me every morning - which means God has already gone ahead of me to make a way for me. Amazing love.
Surely you have your own list of blessings to count and your own way of stopping to take them all in. I pray that you will do that this very day, and on a regular basis in the weeks to come.
Be in awe of God's attention to detail. His artistry is all around you. Every good thing comes from His hand.
Pause today and take it in. You'll be blessed and strengthened in a brief moment. You'll be reminded once again that you were made for another word, and that you're just passing through this place called Earth. Since that's true, pausing long enough to remember your true identity and source of life seems of utmost importance, wouldn't you say? I think so too.
~Until next week...