Saturday, July 13, 2013

Listen and Seek

If you've been reading this blog this week, you know that I've been discussing some heavy stuff.  In a world full of uncertainties, my heart has been heavy. Anxious.  Overwhelmed.  And that's not even touching the presentation on technology on healthcare due Monday that I haven't... even... started.

So, yeah, it's time for some sunshine and rainbows.

Except maybe not... because the uncertainties are still there, and doubt is still rampant, and my heart, though full well knowing that God has it all covered, is still aching for something to be settled.

It's been all about war with principalities and waiting on the Lord this week... and then I read the verses from Wendy Blight's Cultivating a Heart of Prayer.

Verses with phrases like accept my words and store up my commands and listen closely and directing your heart (Proverbs 2:1-3).  Phrases like pay attention to my words and listen closely; keep them. (Proverbs 4:20-21).  Phrases like listen, pay attention to me, listen to my words, so that you might live (Isaiah 55:3).  Phrases like seek me, call to me.  (Isaiah 55:6)

One translation said, "Incline your ear to hear." I like the word incline.  According to dictionary.com, incline means to have a mental tendency, or to lean toward. Lean your ear toward.  Bend down just a little so He can whisper what you need to hear.

And in this day of uncertainty and disappointment, I go on to read, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways.” This is the Lord’s declaration. (Isaiah 55:8)

Not my thoughts.  Not my ways.  He sees the bigger picture. 

My job, contrary to my belief, is not to plan my life out.  It's not to make decisions about how my future will go. My job is to seek His way, to "call out to insight" and to "lift your voice to understanding." It's to look to Him, and be willing to listen.

Even if it may not always be what I want to hear.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (HCSB) "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding;  think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths."




7 comments:

  1. Lauren this is absolutely beautiful. Love it. Hugs sweet sister. Debbie W. (P31 OBS Facebook Group Leader)

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  2. Sweet sister, this sunk deep in my heart today and encouraged me. Thank you for sharing!

    Love,
    Jennifer N
    OBS Exec/Teaching Teams

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  3. Thanks for sharing Lauren! I am so glad I stopped by. I hope to see you stop by my blog one day so that we can get to know each other better. You are an inspiration. Keep up the awesome work.

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  4. I loved how you said, "My job, contrary to my belief, is not to...My job is to..." Learning this is half the battle. Great post from the heart. Keep going and rest in Him will be found. Hugs.

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  5. Oh, I was going to post nearly exactly what Kat wrote!!! That is what stuck out to me the most in your blog--I am such a planner, so this is a lesson I need to hear over and over. Thanks for sharing!!

    Kris (OBS Small Group Leader)

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  6. Lauren, Yes it's not our job - He is in full control! I use to be really bad about planning, but for me now I plan but place God first. I try really hard to put any plans I have to prayer and then be ready for Him to change them. Thank you for sharing, Martha

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  7. I agree with Kat too! I definately needed this today, as I have having lots of uncertainty in my life as well. Thank you so much for sharing!!!

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