I tried complaining to God about it, but He didn't seem too impressed. I reminded Him of how I had planned for the class, how I had put a lot of thought into the lesson. I was so excited about it because it was such a good lesson—a lesson that could really help them. But they were too busy whispering and talking and wiggling around. They were too busy trying to draw attention to themselves.
God's reply to me seemed to saying, 'Have you looked at yourself lately?'
What a sucker punch. I may be 30 years older than those kids, but my behavior is just like theirs. I'm too busy whispering and talking and running around to listen to God's voice. And when I look at what He did to prepare for me--His supreme sacrifice on the cross—I'm ashamed. Ashamed of how little I listen to Him.
And yet He still loves me.
Sometimes God will use drastic measures to get my attention, like a teacher who suddenly slams a book on the desk to shock the students into silence. Sometimes God just stays silent and waits for me to realize He's no longer talking and to quiet down, giving Him a chance to speak. Sometimes He whispers, knowing that I'll draw closer to hear what He's saying. And sometimes He lifts His hands—His nail scarred hands—and says 'Peace. Be Still.'
But the LORD is in His holy temple.
Let all the earth be silent before Him.
~Habakkuk 2:20
Whatever hurricane I'm in today, whatever hurricane this busy month brings, I need to listen to His voice. I need to be still so I can hear Him and what He has to say to me. It's a choice I must make. A choice to be still and listening to God in the midst of all the Christmas rush.
Be still and know that I am God; ~Psalm 46:10
Heavenly Father, help to remember that the hands You raise to calm me and my storms are scarred by the nails that You allowed out of love for me. In the midst of my busyness, let me draw close to You so I can hear Your voice and learn what it is You've prepared for me. Thank You for Your love and patience with me. Thank You for Your living Word.
My soul, wait in silence for God only,
for my hope is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my stonghold;
I shall not be shaken.
~Psalm 62:5-6
Let's intentionally take time today, this weekend, this month, to be still before God.
What a powerful and timely devotion, patty. So true of me to get ahead of my Father and Teacher. Thank you for the encouragement.
ReplyDeleteThat seems to be the same thing God is saying to me. Be still! Love this post, Patty. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Patty! Especially during this time of year as we celebrate Emanuel, the moment in time when God came to earth to draw us to Himself and remove the barrier of sin. Thanks for the timely reminder!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Peejers. SO need to listen for Him (and I LOVE your new backgrounds!)
ReplyDeleteI had to laugh remembering teaching karate last year at church. Those little munchkins were MONSTERS, but still, it was fun seeing them learn. But, perhaps, I learned the most. Good post, Patty.
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