“Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to Thee in a time when Thou mayest be found … Thou art my hiding place …” (Psalm 32:6-7, NASB).
Have you ever wanted to quit? I won’t lie. I have. Repeatedly.
As thoughts of throwing in the towel swirled in my head early this morning (yes, just this morning), I longed to give up the responsibilities and faith-walk of conference planning … to not have to deal with it … to hide away. Thankfully the Lord soothed me yet again and restored my hope:
- By drawing near as I prayed – Countless times I’m tempted to skip this privileged priority. Eager to work and pressed for time, it’s especially challenging to purposely step away and into His presence … to quiet my rushing thoughts and open my heart to Him. His everlasting words convict, “Cease striving and know that I am God …” (Psalm 46:10).
- By reminding me HE is my hiding place – Nothing and no one else can shelter, steady, or save me. Attempting to escape difficulties on my own will NOT provide relief. Trying to hide “in the bushes” like Adam and Eve will fall short. Obeying God’s plan and seeking His refuge truly remains my only safe place.
- By speaking through His people – Wouldn’t you know, as I opened my e-mail extremely early today, a friend’s blog post popped up first. And her words–God’s words through her–were exactly what I needed. Amazing, but not really. God so perfectly orders everything in life, and He knows specifically what to say and when. Am I listening?
- By leading me once again to Let. Go. – Absolutely this is God’s ministry. Spiritual gifts are given to build up the body of Christ as He sees fit. “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). Father, I am Yours. Please use me where You want, not where I want. I yield to You. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
- By gently whispering in response – “You’re right where I want you to be.”
- By exposing the enemy’s tactics – Fears, doubts, insecurities, comparisons, and discouragements. These traps originate in the enemy’s mind. He ruthlessly accuses and stirs up trouble in his efforts to foil God’s plans. BUT the LORD remains a “victorious warrior” (Zephaniah 3:17).
Dear friend, I pray these thoughts turn your eyes to Christ. HE is our strength. Although we probably face different responsibilities, God desires each of us to be FAITHFUL. As He works in us and leads us on His prepared paths, let us follow well–always remembering God alone is our hiding place.
Pressing on for the glory of His GREAT name,
Emily
photo credit: jjay69 via photopin cc
Yes… Emily… God is most definitely our hiding place and if we are “hiding” behind anyone or anything else we are in the wrong place. These last two weeks have been like none other I have ever experienced in my life. With all the responsibilities I have, I could not imagine that God would give me another one… AND a big one. One that encompasses the health of my mom. And yet, every single day, God is my hiding place and He leads me one step at a time.. sometimes difficult steps… often I am tired but He picks me up. HE gives us all we need.. exactly when we need it! To God be ALL the Glory!
Dear Lisa,
Your words are beautiful. Yes, to God be the glory! He is the lifter of our head, our shield and our strength. He goes before and behind us. I Praise Him for His sufficiency, and it blesses me to read of His tender care as you travel this new territory with your mom. You are a very special lady and wonderful daughter to your mom. Thank you for your example.
Much love to you in Christ,
Emily
Yes, I’ve struggled with this calling of ours. I’m preparing to go to a conference next week and I can’t count the number of times I’ve asked myself, “what do you think you’re doing?” And yet, God still leads me forward.
Thanks so much for the reminder that He is my hiding place. I may not influence a lot of people, but I’m called to be obedient. God will do the rest.
Dear Angie,
Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Your encouraging words are meaningful to me. I pray God will bless you beyond measure at the upcoming conference! I’d love to hear how it goes if you get a moment to let me know. To God be the glory!
In Christ’s Love,
Emily
Beautifully expressed. I too have struggled with feeling overwhelmed with the responsibility of leadership- planning conferences, leading a team, writing talks, preparing to teach….God is so faithful as he provides exactly what we need. As we respond not with overwork but out of the overflow, ( I remember reading this in Streams in the Desert) we truly are carried by him.
And you are so right– even in our willingness to get to “work” our most important time of the day is seeking him. I believe this is where leaders get stuck–by missing out on the nourishment of time alone with our Lord. We’ll accomplish exactly what he wants for us to do as we seek his wonderful face early each day.
He is our Bread of Life and our Living Water.
I know your words will be a blessing to many.
I can hear your heart because I’ve been there so many times.
Love and prayers for you today,
Mary Ann
Thank you so much, Mary Ann, for your kind, wise words. I really appreciate your thoughts and encouragement. May the Lord continually strengthen and equip you in your service for Him. You are a blessing. I hope we’re able to meet sometime on this earth, but what a joy it will be spending all eternity with God’s people!
In Christ’s Love,
Emily