God has been pulling me back to the basics lately. Things like vacuuming, ironing, and cooking. I am a relatively good cook, but I don’t like to cook because shortly after spending a couple of hours cooking, then you have to clean it all up too! After I eat, I just want to go and lay down on the couch and chill–out. Oh, how I wish for a dishwasher fairy to surprise me from my slumber with an immaculate kitchen!
He is also urging me to read my Bible without the help of Matthew Henry, Josephus, or online cross-referencing. Just read His Word without the influence and opinion of anyone but Him.
This is challenging for me. I love interesting research – finding the meanings of new words or seeing the same subject with light cascading from a different angle. Reading, and then sitting quietly as understanding rises up from a well deeper and greater than my soul can comprehend.
Why is sitting before the Lord, and disciplining my spiritual ADD so difficult? My eyes roam the room, while on my knees in prayer. “Spider’s web at the base of the desk, lost tennis ball under the couch, cat hair on the couch… Focus, Diane, Focus on God!”
My desk is piled high with books to research for two different studies I would like to write about, and it is in the thick of gathering information that God pulls me away from any information but Him – the One and Only.
He loves well, this God I love. He loves well, this God who loves me more.
“The more words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone?” (Ecclesiastes 6:11 NIV)
Being still before the Lord does not mean, continuously talking and filling His Holy ears with so much of my ranting about life.
Being still, listening to only Him means we can be comfortable in the silence with Him. (tweet this)
And my head relaxes against his shoulders, broad and strong, and I breathe in His presence, and He mine.
This is back to the basics for me with God. This is where I first began with the Lover of my soul – pressing into His presence so gentle, into His love that is fiercely savage, and His fragrance sweet as spring rain, and breathing Him into my life.
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So good, Diane. I just sent a guest post off, and the theme was returning to my first love: knowing Jesus my Lord. I love it when we’re on the same page!
We are on the same page. Meeting you was a God introduction – no Doubt about it!
I want to sit at our feet, drink from the cup in your hand. Lay back against you and breath, feel your heartbeat. This love is so deep it’s more than I can stand, I melt in your peace, it’s overwhelming. Your words took me to these beautiful lyrics and peace surrounds me. Thank you.
Beautiful Terrie! Thinking about you and our girls.
you and me both, Di ~!! So hard to put down the commentaries/devotionals- and just let His WORD be enough- which of course it is…… but we like reading other people’s takes on verses as they help us gleam greater understanding…… but today it was just God and me- and ti was my best quiet time in ages; HE IS ENOUGH 🙂
Mary, This is not easy for me but I know it will be rewarded! I hope you world is sunshine and bluebirds!
Going back to the basics, that is so good Diane. Sometimes the words of others crowd out my ability to hear Him. They’re going back to basics in England too, a revival of baking and sewing in the country. We’ve eaten a lot of home baked bread. It’s good, but not on the waist. 🙂
Oh, Shelly that sounds wonderful! That is a trip I would love to take! Send a lot of pictures back to we can be with you vicariously!
I do what you do, Diane, often cross-referencing and reading the commentaries. I think that it shows how deeply interested we are, so we probably shouldn’t be too hard on ourselves; however, I know that I ought to let the Spirit do His own work in me, without the extra help. Thank you for the reminder.
Thank you, Jennifer! I can see the love of studying in you and I can hear it when you speak! And, I love that I can hear your voice now when you write! Love, ya!
Thank you, for this peek into your world. I seriously love the way you write, bringing the reader in, introducing him to your surroundings and telling the story of Jesus in your life.
Back to the basics. Yes, let’s. I often think theology is interesting but then I hear the scriptures referencing “faith of a mustard seed” and “child-like spirit”.
The basics are where we should be. The spiritual ADD is what adds flavor to our life. Don’t feel bad for having either. 🙂
Awwww, Duane! Thank you for Stopping by.Thank you for your wisdom and encouraging words. You are years ahead of most people!