Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
Philippians 2:12-13, emphasis added
This might be the most joyous phrase in Scripture: God who works in you {me}. Every morning I make my to do list and every evening I realize all I didn’t accomplish … as a wife, a mom, a friend, a teacher, a blogger, a homemaker, a Child of God. I try so hard to work, to do, to be. And in that striving, I miss the joy of being worked in, of listening, of becoming. Mark Buchanan states in his amazing book, “We best cultivate the capacity to hear in times of stillness and quiet” (185). I get so busy working that I neglect my desperate need to be worked in … sorted out, straightened up, molded, shaped, impressed, loved by the Holy God who created me for His good pleasure. Do you?
Today, God, I’m weary from the work … the effort to be who I think I ought, the stress of high expectations, the prison of comparison, the voice of perfectionism. I miss You, God. The closeness we once shared, the relationship we had. I know, it was me who moved, not You. But now I feel a little lost and uncertain. So, Lord, I’m asking You a favor. Will You woo me again? Will You move in my heart to stir the embers and rekindle the flame? See, I’m realizing every day I can’t make myself want more of You, I can’t work myself into intimacy with You … it’s You at work IN me that draws me. Today, this moment, I’m listening, I’m still … and I want to hear Your whisper. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
For more thoughts on learning to be still, check out my SLOW series.
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That book I quoted, The Rest of God, it’s amazing. In fact, if you only buy one book in the next year, it must be this one. If you are weary, stressed, or burdened, this tome has solid insight into entering into the rest and peace God offers.
Stacey says
This is my favorite post so far in your series! All are great, but my heart so identifies with this right now!
Love the phrases ” Will You woo me again? Will You move in my heart to stir the embers and rekindle the flame?”
He will do that, and more, I know it!
thanks friend.
Teri Lynne Underwood says
Thank you.