A Little Deeper

Stressed out? Feel anxiety and not sure why? Heart palpitating, mind reeling? It's not self-medication you need... let's do some simple self-evaluation. What's your time with the Lord been like lately? Are you reading and acting upon His Word? I know I often simplify things, but this is the answer to all of my problems, and I know it's the answer to yours!

As I just returned from several days out of town, I realized my time with the Lord wasn't what it usually is. It's no one's fault but my own. I loved the time I had with the kids and grandkids. We had a great time cooking, setting up and cleaning up for a Thanksgiving Banquet at their church. We then traveled to another state to visit with my mother-in-law and family. In the midst of doing noble things, busyness and fatigue took precedence... Oh, it wasn't on purpose and there was still much time communing with God but my relationship with Him requires much more...

You see... I'm desperate for Jesus! I, like you, require designated time in His Word and presence. I can't function at full capacity without it! We all need a different amount of time. It's based according to where we are in the growth process. I talk to Him throughout my day. He's a part of every plan and decision I make. He is the source of my strength, joy, peace, and sound mind. I honestly have nothing to offer without Holy Spirit and His anointing... nothing! Without my daily bread and time set aside to seek Him, I become depleted of strength, and I soon begin to feel the heaviness of this life. It's not just about talking to Him throughout the day... but it's what happens behind closed doors... intimate time sharing my heart, worshipping, and listening intently to His desires and direction...fully surrendered... weeping... repenting and desiring to bless Him with every thought and action above all else and eradicating any desire that is not of Him... that's where my peace lies.

So, as I get back home and sink back into my routine with work and all of the busyness of ministry, I fully understand that it's not about me. This devotion can't be written from my own strength. There's absolutely nothing I can give to those I minister to, mentor, or serve, lest it flows through me from His throne.

Stress and anxiety are very familiar to me... but they are crushed and completely annihilated when He becomes priority and the object of my attention and desire... if this isn't your reality, just prioritize more time to press in a little deeper! As you draw closer to Him, He promises to draw closer to you! There's only peace deep inside the Secret Place of His presence!

Jeremiah 4:8 (NKJV) Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinner; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Jeremiah 29:12-13 (NKJV) Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Psalm 91:14-16 (NKJV) “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.”