Posted by vicki on Jan 15, 2012 in
Contemplative stuff,
Stuff stuff Do you ever spend a few minutes and just think about God?
You know, the way you might think about your favorite loved ones or friends…
Here’s a sweet, old poem by Fredrick W. Faber:
Only to sit and think of God,
Oh, what a joy it is!
To think the thought, to breathe the Name
Earth has no higher bliss.
(from A. W. Tozer’s Knowledge of the Holy)
Exercise: Give it a few minutes. Think about God, his name, who he is, what he is like…
There’s a quote that I’ve seen several times lately:
Don’t rest from your work, work from your rest.
That could mean a bunch of different things, but when I read it, it speaks to me of this verse:
For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength (Isaiah 30:15, biblegateway.com)
Returning: to Who? God
Rest: How? in prayer and waiting
Quietness: Why? in order to listen and hear His voice
Confidence: in Whom? if we were capable of doing what we must or surviving the latest trial, we wouldn’t need God. He puts us in positions where we use up our talents or wisdom and can only persevere by our confidence that He will do the work in and through us- and that He will be glorified
What happens next? We are saved and find strength.
Assignment: Pray about the places in life you feel stretched thin or worn out. Ask God about it. Meditate on Isaiah 30:15. What is it saying to you?
With the light of your presence and warmth of your love, Lord, furnish my heart and make it your home.- B.J. Hoff
Here are some questions to ponder upon:
1) Can you imagine your heart being a place comfortable for God Himself to visit?
2) Can you imagine it being a home He would feel happy to live in?
3) What furnishings would make Him feel at home?
4) Can you make those furnishings yourself (or will He have to bring them with Him)?
5) How can you pray about your home being the kind of abode that will make God comfortable (since we already know, theologically, He is in us and with us)?