WRITTEN BY CHERYL WELLS
As we are making our way into the new year and trying to keep momentum there may be some moments of sensing that there is something missing or needed. It may feel like an unmet need, or a roadblock and you just don’t know if you are ok. It’s kind of like how over time that we have had a little pain in our body, or even that we have some kind of emotional or spiritual struggle, but we have ignored it for so long and gotten used to it and we have just learned to accept it. It’s just become part of who we are, and we ignore our own needs. At that point, it really can begin to shape our identity – how we think about ourselves and how we behave in our environment.
I would like to share just some practical steps that might help you, like they have helped myself and others. It’s good to be intentional and take some time every day to journal or just get a little notepad and be reflective and take a few notes. I usually try to do this when I first get up and/or before I go to bed, that way I can do a little inventory and leave things where they need to be so that I don’t carry them or deal with them at night while I’m trying to get some sleep. Doing a little movement by stretching and walking around and doing some good breath work is helpful also as preparation. When we breathe well and focus on it then we can also invite God in and ask Him to help us see and think well. In the book of Job in the Bible it says that “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Also, Job 32 says, “But it is the spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.”
As we get quiet and focus then we can think about what we need, and maybe what happened that has upset us. I have done this enough that over time it has really helped to just breath and remind myself to stop – it’s like I see a stop sign. At that point it becomes easy for me to shut out everything else and my thoughts clear. Next, it’s good to ask, “what do I need” and just check in with myself. Surrendering ourselves over to the will and the care of God is a beautiful thing. He knows our need and He knows how we think. He knows when we need a new understanding that is His perspective that is not based on our experience or our unmet needs. Pay attention and notice what you think and what you feel, or any images or memories that come up. God loves you and He will be with you as you seek Him and His truth for you that can set you free. He always wants us to come closer and the good news is that He has already made a way. John 14:6 says, “Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Our way and our truth come through Jesus because He is our access to God. I have been sharing a passage lately that is beautiful when we are unsure about direction and peace when we are in need.
“The sheep that are My own hear My voice and listen to Me; I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27 AMP)
We can know and trust that God hears, and He cares, as well as He leads us, and we can choose to follow. It’s why it’s good and important to bring our cares to Him and ask for help. Don’t ignore the feelings and the needs but when we begin to be aware that we are in distress, know that it is good to ask for comfort from God. All of this can be a part of the notes that I mentioned that you can write down and continue to reflect on. Make that short list and just sit with it in surrender. Being aware of things and then accepting what we hear will help us to take any action steps needed.
This is good work that you can do alone, and it is the most important work because it will lead to understanding yourself and the reality of God being with you in it. I heard rest and I know enough about this word that I knew God was speaking to me to stop trying to do this alone, stop striving and trust Him to work. Believe Him for whatever is needed because Jesus paid the price for me to have life and peace, no matter what. His timing is not mine. I can take my hands off and walk this out moment by moment, day by day.
Checkpoint:
- STOP and breathe.
- What do I need?
- I heard “Rest.” (what is it for you?)
- I believe this is truth for me.
- I need comfort from You, God.
- I receive Your comfort, and I trust You to help me.
- I surrender to Your will and care.
