Recently I was asked to write a 150-word blurb for my church’s Moms at Heart Newsletter on the topic of “How do we trust God, when life doesn’t make sense?”
I laughed. My life doesn’t make sense. How am I to write about a topic when I don’t have the answers for my own life?
God impressed on my heart, “You’ve been indulging, in me and there is peace even though you don’t have the all answers.”
Of course He was right. When is God ever wrong?
I’ve been indulging in Him a lot lately. Some synonyms for indulge are savor, marinate, and enjoy to excess. It’s hard to picture savoring God, or marinating in His presence. However, that is what I’ve been learning to do.
I’ll give one word to describe it: chocolate. Whoa God is like chocolate? Well, no that would be absurd, but how we experience Him can be.
To say that I love chocolate is an understatement. Unfortunately, because I like it so much, I have a tendency to scarf it down without enjoying it. My weight can attest to it. This is how I can act when it comes to God.
I get up, spend time reading, answering my study questions and then immediately start my day without any time to let it soak in. It’s almost as if I am saying, “I’ve done my obligation; now on with my day.” Sure I pray before starting, and the Lord shows me things, but is it really soaking in?
Since I didn’t really understand what savoring meant, I took a piece of chocolate from my husband’s stash, sat down and let it melt in my mouth. I was totally surprised. Taking the time to indulge, I tasted it, felt the texture and it was satisfying. I didn’t need another.
Last year I posted about soul care – taking time every so often to go to a place without distractions to pray and listen.
Over the past several weeks, it has been almost an everyday occurrence. I haven’t been on my knees just for my life, but also for my family and friends as well. I read, pray and most importantly listen (being literally still, waiting and not speaking until the Lord directs).
Have the answers come? I’m seeing God work.
Indulging in Him also means being intentional. I have to make the time; it’s not going to suddenly happen. I’m trying to be deliberate every day.
Warning: If we aren’t careful, even this purposeful time is in danger of becoming ritual. The Christian life is about a relationship with the One who created us, not the “works” or rituals that we do.
Are there situations in your life not making sense, not “fair” or just plain anxiety – filled? Take some time to indulge in the Lord. I can’t guarantee your situation will immediately change. Some of the answers I’ve seen have taken months, but what I can promise is peace.
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and YOU SHALL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.”
Matthew 11:28-29 (NASB)
Solitude with the Father 