practicing

Wednesday, August 21, 2013 (6:55 a.m.)

Father God,

I'm here this morning practicing. The question I have is just what am I practicing? Showing up? Being here?

I want to practice “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23a). Is it in my power to do so? The beginning of the verse says, “But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives he will produce this kind of fruit in us”.

I confess Father, I don't know what it's really like to have the Holy Spirit control my life. Truly I believe I'm still trying to follow some archaic set of rules that will make it happen. I am more than convinced that is NOT the way it works.

So once again, here I am asking You to speak to me. Teach me. Guide me. I want to be present with You. Yes. I don't want to jump through hoops. Dot i's, cross t's. Show me Father...

And then You did! Searching Your Word. Looking from this verse to that section and Your peace settled right here within me. Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.”

But it goes so much deeper than that! “Cease striving”. “That's enough!” “Calm down, and learn”. “Stop fighting”. “Let go of your concerns! Then you will know that I am God.” “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.” “Stop your striving and recognize that I am God!” “Be quiet”. “Be still, be calm, see, and understand I am the True God.”

With this I breathe in more deeply. I relax. I trust. I believe. I ask that You would make Yourself even more obvious to me this day.

I love You, Father. I long to serve You well this day. Make it so I ask. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(317 words ~ 8:47 a.m.)