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Linger

He is trying to teach me to linger...

 

I know that might sound strange, but as I was in my office this morning praying, I noticed that I had an agenda.  There were things on my desk that were calling for my attention.  Things in my near future that were demanding my time.

 

Even my prayer time was dominated by my perceived priorities and what I wanted to see God do.

 

My mind was racing and it seemed as if I was just putting in my time with Him.  That is when I asked a very dangerous question.  "What are you trying to teach me?" 

 

That is a dangerous question because it takes my agenda and it lays it at His feet.  And, it adds responsibility.  See, if I am just putting in my time and checking my spiritual obligation off of my daily to do list, I feel good about myself. 

 

But, the moment that I stop and ask the Lord to show me what He is trying to teach me, I will be responsible for whatever He impresses in my heart.  When I know His desire, it becomes my priority.

 

So, there I was in my office talking to the Lord, when I sensed Him telling me to just be still and enjoy being with Him.  He wanted me to recognize His presence and be satisfied in it.  I was to lay down my agenda, stop worrying about the next thing to do, and just be close to Him.  Sit in His proverbial lap and sense the security that can only be found in Him.

 

And, although it is against my "get it done" nature, I am going to let Him teach me this important lesson.

 

My time this morning actually reminded me of the story in the Bible where two sisters approached Jesus different ways.  Luke 10 tells us that Mary sat at His feet and listened.  Martha hustled about, serving, but not taking time to enjoy His presence in her home.  When Martha complained to Jesus that she wasn't getting any help, Jesus replied, "You are worried and upset about many things...but only one thing is needed.  Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken from her". 

 

I needed to be reminded that God is waiting to spend time with me.  He wants me to be aware of His presence and realize that I bring Him pleasure.  I can’t allow myself to get so busy getting through my day that I neglect, "What is better."  I won’t fly through the obligations of my faith so quickly that I forget to rest in the presence of the One who made that faith possible.

 

With God's help, I will learn to linger.