Silence

Today, I went to visit my mom and dad. It's a 2-hour drive each way, so I had great plans for how I would maximize the time. The new session of Body & Soul fitness is gearing up in two weeks, so I was ready to listen to the new music. I had several phone calls I needed to return, too, so I was certain the time would pass quickly.

Well, it's hard to use your audio system when the fuse is blown! Yep, that's right--no music at all. To top it off, apparently the lighter/charger is connected to that same fuse, & since my cell phone had only a couple of battery bars showing, there wasn't much talking to be done either!

So what did I do to pass the time?

I prayed.

And then I prayed some more!

And then I found myself praying and singing out loud!

My Father met with me right there in my car, and it was beautiful. I'm sure I looked like an idiot to those who passed me, but I don't even care! The fellowship with the Lord was so sweet, and it carried me through the day.

My visit with my parents ended all too quickly, as it always does. The time today with them was filled with laughter, joy, fun, and memories. I must admit, though, a part of me was excited to get back in the van for my two hours of "silence" on the way home.

I dare you to try it sometime. Either in your home or in your car, find an extended period of time, in addition to your daily time with God, to get away from all the noise of this life. Let God speak to you from the silence. It will be profound!

When God Stands

"In the year King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple." Is. 6:1

Isaiah's glimpse into eternity emphasizes God's majesty, his awesomeness, and his complete authority and control. For those who lived in Isaiah's day, a king's death brought about turmoil, fears, and unrest for all the people. Who would be in command next? Would their new ruler be kind, or a tyrant? Would they become vulnerable to attack from another country? So many things were in an uproar. Remind you of today's world? With bailouts, war, unemployment, and economic worries all around us, it is easy to relate to what these ancients must have been feeling.

Yet, God was sitting. No matter how upsetting the circumstances may have seemed, God was in such control that he didn't have to pace, to wring his hands, to sweat it out, or to even worry for an instant. No, he simply reigned in His majesty, seated on His throne. What comfort to know that God isn't worried or terrified by any of the craziness of this world!

So what could possibly make God stand? Only one thing: His love for me and you.

"Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion." Is. 30:18

The next time you are facing difficulties and times of uncertainty, even when the world around you seems to fall apart, remember that your Father loves you so much that he will rise from His throne to meet you right where you are.

"How gracious He will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hers, he will answer you." Is. 30:19b