To my surprise most had arrived in a rush. Some because of chaos at home, children to drop off at school, and leaving too late. Others because of chaos on the freeway, parking challenges, and appointments waiting.
For many life is a rush.
We rush through our tasks, we rush to get groceries during lunch break, and we rush home. Yeah, we might even rush through Bible reading. A scripture here, a scripture there, a quick prayer, and off we go again.
I strongly believe the Lord is looking for people who dare to linger. For people who are not afraid to stay in His presence without agenda, who want to listen, and who are not afraid to be silent.
Who dares to linger?
Exodus 33:11 intrigues me: So the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses returned to the camp, his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent.
Joshua lingered in the tent of meeting, in the place where God's presence was so tangible. He was young, and he wanted that close connection with God that Moses had... face-to-face. About Zacharias the priest, it is written: And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. He experienced the presence of God.
Do you seek His presence?
The choice is ours and the crazier the world gets, the more we need to linger, to sit with the One who loves us. The One who loves us says to you and me today: 'Sister, you are worried and troubled about many things', just as He said to Martha when He came into her house (see Luke 10:41-42).
Are you worried and troubled about many things?
Maybe it is time to reconsider. Maybe it is time to master the art of lingering. Not just when on vacation, but maybe even more so in times of turmoil. Jesus explained it to Martha:
There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.
Will you discover it?
the crazier the world gets, the more we need to linger, to sit with the One who loves us. The One who loves us says to you and me today: 'Sister, you are worried and troubled about many things', just as He said to Martha when He came into her house. Becky P
ReplyDeleteI sincerely believe lingering in His presence is the antidote to going crazy.
DeleteReally good morning to linger. ☝️
ReplyDeleteHappy lingering! May he speak to you and whisper truth deep into your heart!
DeleteMarja: Sometimes I feel guilty for lingering. But your post has helped me to see that there are times when it is the best way to react to what God has told us. Peace and blessings to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteI hear you Cecelia, I used to feel guilty for just sitting there, thinking, pondering, praying, listening. It felt like doing nothing, but that is not true. it is sitting at His feet and waiting for His whispers.
DeleteI recently downloaded the Hallow app. It is such a blessing to my worship time! It does encourage us to linger over God's Word and to invite His presence into the moment.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Marja!
DeleteNever heard of that app, I'll check it out Martha Jane, thanks.