Draw me close, fill me up
My time with You is a treasure.
Focus of the Month: Growing Our Faith
Morning, it’s here again. I look at the clock and see three digits staring back at me -5:45. Rise and shine it’s a new day, time to decide…would I stick with the usual: get up, get going, get it done, go to bed, repeat? Why should today be any different? What would change if my “get up and go” would “sit down and stay?” Seemed impossible, but that is exactly what happened. I traded a hurried morning for something better. Let me explain…
For years I have been learning about how important my relationship with Jesus should be. That it would benefit me to take time to sit in His presence each and every day. But to-do lists get written, days go by too fast and all of a sudden it could be another week without tending to this relationship.
I began to think of other relationships that are important to me. Many that I spend time nurturing, growing and enjoying. Yet, the one relationship that I so desperately need was the one that went neglected for far too long. You see, I love Jesus. I just didn’t know how much until I started spending time with Him on a daily basis.
Think about the relationships in your life today. What are the things you love about them? How did they become so precious to you? Would you agree that those we spend the most time with are generally the ones we grow closer to, grow deeper with and make the most time for? If this is true, and I say I love Jesus, than how can I not see spending time with him as valuable? Thus, I traded my busy morning for alone time with my Savior.
It was awkward at first. I thought I was doing it wrong but then I just made it simple. Find a place in my house I feel cozy, gather only what I need (His Word, my journal and a pen, okay my favorite beverage too) and then just breathe. During this time I came to realize that Jesus has a very different pace than I do. He doesn’t rush me. He doesn’t ignore me. He doesn’t say “just a minute”. He is always there. He chooses me. For as long as I sit, He will stay. I can’t wait Him out. Isn’t that delightful?
In the gospel of Mark we read:
“And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons.” (Mark 3:13-15)
My eyes have always been drawn to the part where Jesus hopes to “send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons.” But look what comes before that. Jesus calls the disciples to “be with him”. Jesus wanted them to abide, to dwell with him! To spend time with Jesus would be the only way that the disciples would know Him well enough to be able to tell others about Him.
Ding, ding, ding!! In order to know Him and to share Him with others I must abide with Him. And all of sudden the quiet time wasn’t awkward anymore. Now, it is a place of safety, a place of peace, and a treasure to behold.
Growing our faith takes time. Each moment we spend alone with Jesus is valuable to Him. He doesn’t waste our time—He teaches us the most in our silence.
Father, help us to seek time at your feet. Help us to allow your Truth to wash over our minds every day. Let us know you, let us feel your presence as we slow down and follow your pace. You are worthy to be praised! It is in Jesus name we pray. Amen
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scripture References here. Mark 3:13-15, Luke 5:26, Philippians 1:25, Jeremiah 29:13
