I am still. I perish not!
I pause in this busy life to reflect. And I reflect on direction, purpose, and ultimately my thoughts rest on Vision.
“Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18)
I guess I’m perishing… because I don’t have a vision. Rather than create one, I’m waiting on My GOD. But in so doing, rather than feel as though death is at my door, I am at peace as I wait upon my next steps.
I have plenty of passion, loads of skill, but no clarity. And as I wait upon the LORD, He renews my strength (Isaiah 40) and I long for, hope for and pray for His vision for the next phase of life.
I am not a great strategist. So if I had a direction or mission or vision for ministry, I’m sure I would need the LORD to weave it all together for me.
But as I have said, I don’t even have a vision. So, I wait. I think he’s waiting for me to wait, and perhaps then He’ll move me. For years, I’ve desired for Him to move mountains with mountain moving faith (Matthew 17), and that he’d use me. But I realise I’m the mountain who needs moving. And first I must be still.
I am including a lovely piece from a new on-line friend, Gary Gay. He talks about intimacy with GOD and this dovetails nicely with my reflection today. Intimacy will prevent our perishing:)
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” (Psalm 23)
Amen
Intimacy Affects Everything by Gary Gay
Everything in scripture from Genesis to Revelation is about relationships. The main reason Jesus came was to restore man’s relationship to God. To the degree of intimacy, we have in our relationship with the Lord Jesus, is the degree we have peace in the face of tribulation. Intimacy will quench every fear, everywhere, every time. Intimacy draws us close to Him regardless of our circumstances. After counselling for thirty years, I have never found an exception to this truth.
Intimacy takes one’s focus off self. It puts the burden of truth on our creator and relieves us of all our fears. Alternatively, self-focus will lead us to some level of worry or fear. True intimacy invites the Lord Jesus to inspect every area of our life, thoughts, words and deeds. His inspection should be of no concern unless we are hiding behind fig leaves, we have sewn together (see Gen. 3:7).
Intimacy with the Lord Jesus affects every area of our lives. Intimacy is the answer to every concern we have. If we fear intimacy, we are self-focused and give place to the evil one. Intimacy brings light to every dark place in us. The level of peace one has reveals the level of intimacy. An outside force cannot affect true intimacy. Meaning one cannot blame someone or something for our lack of peace or intimacy. The only thing that can come between our relationship and the Lord is self-focus and we are in charge of that.
Intimacy is the foundation for everything that follows in the building of our relationship with Him. The next step is trust; trusting Him for and in everything. Trust ushers in abiding/rest in Him. This relationship is a three step dance. Intimacy, trust and abiding/resting bring us to the promises of God, revealing the Kingdom of God, which is the promise land. He brings us to the dance, and He will take us home.
Gary Gay
You can get in touch with Gary directly by email at: alpha1omega@earthlink.net
