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| Make Room to Be Refreshed series |
When He asks us to pray, He isn’t giving us another to-do; He’s inviting us to put it all on Him and just breathe.
This week we’ll continue this series from last week on making room to receive God’s invitation. If I can say it simply, God is inviting you to be with Him. When we’re busy, though, this can feel like an obligation rather than an invitation. However, God isn’t interested in obligating us to spend time with Him; after all, we no longer live under the law but under grace. What’s more, God doesn’t invite us to spend time with Him for His own benefit (as if He needs anything from us) but for our benefit.
During Jesus’ ministry, He was very active. He went from place to place teaching and healing so many, but He “would often slip away to the wilderness to pray.” Just a few weeks ago we saw how the Father strengthened Jesus in one of these times of prayer. When Jesus was with people He was constantly pouring out, constantly serving, constantly giving. This was the one time that He could rest and receive. Nothing was expected of Him; nothing was required of Him. I wholeheartedly believe that Jesus was refreshed by these times with the Father. The word ‘refreshed’ in Hebrew is ‘naphash’ and means to ‘breathe in’. The word for ‘spirit’ in Hebrew is ‘ruach’ and means ‘breath’. When we spend time in the presence of God, we can be refreshed by His Spirit. That is, we are surrounded by His ‘breath’ and we can simply ‘breathe in’. When He asks us to pray, He isn’t giving us another to-do; He’s inviting us to put it all on Him and just breathe.
Let’s set aside for a moment everything we feel we’re supposed to do when we pray. His presence is the one place you can be free of expectations. It’s only you and God there, and He loves you. He’s invited you there to strengthen and serve you, to wash your feet just as Jesus did at the last supper. Just breathe. Open your heart and tell Him the things that bother you. Tell Him how you feel; ask Him to comfort you. Praise Him for how good He is, for what He’s done for you. Talk about your struggles and don’t be afraid to acknowledge where you’ve fallen. After all, Jesus is able “to sympathize with our weaknesses” because He was “in every respect tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16)
Next time we’ll conclude this series as Monica and I talk about our own stories with quiet times and the struggle to be motivated for quiet times and stay engaged while we’re there.
Since this is the end of this series on quiet times, Make Room to Be Refreshed, I wanted to share something I wrote during my own quiet time a few years ago. Personally, for my time with God, I like to sit in my backyard and talk to Him as though He was sitting right next to me. I like to be outside because it helps me to slow down. I’d even say that I’ve learned about His character by seeing what He created. On one of these occasions, I wrote a few lines on letting go of busyness to be outside and learn about God from His creation. I wouldn’t consider myself a poet, but I did enjoy writing this. I hope you enjoy reading it as well:
The Man in the Crowd
The sun is but quiet
The moon is not loud
The stars almost silent
To the man in the crowd
Quick is his pace
And fast is his tongue
But slow is his heart
To turn out and hear
The secret and quiet psalm that is sung
So listen ye men
Put down your thoughts
Let go your busy and practical lives
For God has embedded a secret in skies
Unspeakable His nature
Intangible His power
But quiet your soul, your heart and your mind
To discover and taste a piece of divine, hidden outside
I love love 💕 love what you are writing Joseph. It helps me but it also has to benefit you. These are great times for meditation and prayer. I love you and Thank God for my wonderful Grandson!!
Thank you for your encouraging words! It has been a blessing to both of us as well working on these articles!
I too really loved both the message and the poem! I am very thankful to the Lord for putting His Yes in your hearts to reach out and minister to hearts through these timely messages. Thank you both, more than I can say!
I too have been so blessed to read all these posts. I find that I re-read them throughout the week and they really do teach and inspire, encourage and strengthen!
Thank you for giving out of the abundance that God has worked in you.
I can’t help but think your children are going to carry more blessings from having such giving and insightful parents (who take notice of God’s plan for the life and destiny of His little lambs)–as well as sharing your Daily Bread from our Lord with your brothers and sisters in Christ (and happily with your family among them)! May He strengthen and encourage you daily and pour even more back in as you pour out!!
God bless you for sharing these insights! I read and re-read throughout the week. Each time I am strengthened and encouraged.
I do appreciate so much how God has woven your gifts from Him together to be a pouring out to others what He has built in you both throughout the years. It is a testimony to His plan and destiny for each of His children. I can’t help but think how your children will benefit abundantly from the insightful and Spirit-led observation of such parents! We see that example manifested in each one of these messages.
We really appreciate such beautiful and encouraging words! Bless you and much love from us!