I’m great at praying specifically for others (especially
when they tell me how), but when it comes to praying for myself, I’m usually a
lot more vague.
“Help me to be kind.”
“Show me your path.”
“Give me Wisdom.”
“Forgive Me.”
Notice something? They’re all nice little fragments. Fleshing
them out not only allows the Spirt to convict me (where am I being unkind? What
am I walking towards now instead of God?) but also to encourage me (when I ask
for forgiveness and repent of specific transgressions, I can also respond with
thanksgiving that I have already been forgiven!)
God is so gracious to me. Yesterday (yes, just about 24
hours ago), I cried out for a life verse. I felt as though others around me
have been saying more and more often “oh, yes, that’s one of my life verses,”
and I had felt a desire to have one too. So I asked. For a scripture to “hang
my hat on.” Something that felt central to what God is doing in and through me
now.
At the beginning of study tonight I had a thought. I think my verse will be revealed tonight.
I quickly brushed that aside. I’m not
going to put God on a timeline. It may take time for Him to reveal my verse to me.
Study started and we went through last week’s homework. Lots
of verses peppered the pages, but none of them resonated deep enough for me. See, I was right. Tonight is not the night. But then I flipped the page to the
study page for tonight.
Do
not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the
peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and
your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7
Guys! It was my life verse! I love this
verse, and I’ve clung to it again and again in different times and places. But
I’ve never claimed it as something for my every day (Yes, I know it says in every situation. Apparently I had chosen
to replace “every” with “some”).
Okay. So that was like a “yay!” moment, but
let’s be honest. That’s a common verse, and maybe not “personal” enough for a
life verse. But here is where God is so flipping cool.
I don’t think I have ever prayed for
gentleness before this last week. I’m not sure why, it could be because it’s
one of the last of the Fruits of the Spirit and I subconsciously thought I needed
to somehow “master” them in order.” But suddenly, a week ago I started praying
to be more gentle. That I would stop rushing by people in my hurry to get
through tasks. That my words would be soft, and my tongue slow, that I would
encourage life with my actions.
Rejoice
in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness
be evident to all. The Lord is near. Phil
4:4-5
Look what’s there, right in Phil 4! J Seriously,
I’m still sitting here in awe of our God and how He moves.
This may be rambling and disjointed. It’s
almost 10pm, which is crazy late for me. But I wanted to at least get this much
out, maybe I’ll clean it up later . Love you all. So blessed to go on this journey through life with you!
