A quivering occurs deep in our souls. An inviting ripple on the waters, an opportunity to stretch our wings and fly free.
This one won't go away. It resurfaces when we least expect it.
Our lives are about to change and we run scared instead of running toward it with open arms.
Not all of us can greet change with cheer, or equanimity at least.
It feels unsettling, ground shifting, mould-breaking, day-defining and life-liberating all at once.
It calls for a new challenge, a new level we feel unprepared for.
So we quake. Even if we know those soft spoken sounds are Holy Spirit sighs.
I'm in a time of transition, waiting to walk into a more spacious place emotionally and spiritually. It requires recognition of what's being said, and response to all God is currently asking of me.
And, truth be told, I. Don't. Feel. Ready. I want to rewind time to one of blissful ignorance.
Those urgings are calling me out of a place of seeming safety, a place where I was bound but couldn't see it, and leading me into the Light, into Truth, into freedom, into God's presence and rest.
The slumbering season is over. Our souls need to wake up to the potential all around. When God is speaking, we do well to listen.
He gentles us forward saying this isn't all or nothing, impetuous crash and burn; this is a slow growth in the right direction as I lead and guide you. This is a warming to My words, an inner alertness to My voice, a gradual unfolding of My plans for you. Trust Me to keep you, to hold you safe throughout.
Maybe you're in this unsettling place too?
Hearing and trying not to heed it?
We can be deep-bone weary from all types of pain, yet strangely wary and reluctant to move away from its suffocating embrace if it means treading into new territory.
Because what we know, what we are familiar with feels like home to us, however dark it may be in reality. Our pain is our pain. We live and move and have our being in it, don't we?
Actually no. We live and move and have our being in God. He is our Strength, our Hope, our Deliverer and Healer.
Healing frequently comes in stages, by degrees, by unloosening, yielding and surrender rather than by sudden illumination and ability to receive it.
I've had God close some powerful doors in my life recently, doors which I'd inadvertently opened to the enemy when I was younger in years and understanding.
Once he has been denied access to areas he has tormented us in for years, the enemy will do everything in his power to try and regain that territory.
Doubt, fear and unbelief insinuate a way in, wrapping their tentacles around our souls. We need to guard our hearts, wear the full armour of God and be vigilant.
We have a spiritual battle on our hands and a continual need to reaffirm our new position, make declarations of faith from God's Word and sow seeds of positivity into areas that were always negative before.
Yes, we rest secure on the promises of God, but we also have our part to play in holding on to our healing and deliverance.
It's hard work but it will be so worthwhile to see results, to be prepared for The Next Big Thing God wants to do in your life and mine.
Some days I feel scared of transition and transformation. When we've believed lies for years, then our minds have to slowly become renewed by the Word and our hearts grow strong in faith.
Here's a prayer for all who are where I am now, or sense they soon will be. Let's begin to embrace hope, embrace the light, and embrace joy in knowing we are already victorious in Christ.
November fog invades my brain, stealing away brightness, coating all in its dreary gloom.
Seasons affect us more than we know. Each one leaves a footprint of their presence.
This season? My soul needs quiet, my body craves sleep and rest, my spirit thirsts after the place where I converse with God, on the doorstep of my heart.
I'm seeking after sacred pauses, making way for holy moments in the everyday.
As my health has declined over the last few months, I've needed to withdraw quite a bit from social media interaction, groups and conversations, and I've also missed the quiet times and places where my soul speaks with God.
Although it's what I've needed more than anything, it's also been a casualty of the storms of life.
'Quiet Time' ceased to be such as my fog-brained, pain-filled body yearned for sleep, became preoccupied and anxious; and praying was reduced to quick-fire cries for help.
These needs cannot be ignored. We pine and die inside without letting the Light in. Because a weary mind and body need His strength to go on, don't they?
There's a shift beneath the surface of my slow, sluggish days. A stirring toward all my soul desires to stay sane, stable and at rest.
An acknowledgement that I am lost and lonely when I fail to spend quality time with God.
I want to awaken to Advent without the world's noise intruding strong, resist its clamouring tongue and clarion call to excess consumption.
And as I try to still my heart, listen to the One whom my soul loves and runs after, I sense Him whispering these words:
"Be aware; be watchful; be prepared. The King is coming. He is with you.
Keep your eyes peeled and your heart receptive. Don't let it grow hard or cold.
Allow a Holy longing to touch mystery seep slow into your soul and invade mind and spirit.
A new morn dawns in the history of mankind.
A new day to rejoice and be glad, for your God is with you and He is mighty to save.
A reason for humble thanksgiving.
Come closer. Come empty. Come freely. Come frequently. I will fill you to overflowing.
My throne room is always open to you and you will find a warm welcome here.
Spend your precious energy in seeking Me. I will refuel you.
Lavish attention on My glorious provision. I will give you all your soul longs for.
Whisper it loud. Joy is here for all to share. There are no beggars in My Kingdom.
This sacred place makes space for all who hunger and thirst for Me.
And in this season, all who seek Me with their whole heart will find Me.
There will be celebration over every soul who makes way for the King to live within.
Share your words; share your heart; share the promises fulfilled in Jesus, My Son.
Your watching, waiting and praying will have their reward.
As your heart makes room for the King of kings, it will be filled and flooded with the love, joy and peace of His presence.
Reflect on these things anew; rest in My goodness and grace, and remain in Me always"
How can we awaken anew to the watching, waiting wonder of Advent?
As well as revisiting the biblical narrative (and maybe listening to a few Christmas songs to get me in the mood!), here are some of the things I have at hand to help me in this season:
1) Re-reading 'Touching Wonder:Recapturing the Awe of Christmas' by John Blase ~ a delightful, warm way of connecting to the humanity of Advent and the Nativity via insightful words, reflection and prayer.
2) Reading 'The Deep Place - where nobody goes:Connecting with God on the steps of my soul' by Jill Briscoe ~ and rediscovering the wonder and encouragement of being able to have a relationship and conversations with God.
3) Diving into 'Advent with St Francis:Daily Reflections' by Diane M.Houdek in an attempt to recover rest, simplicity and respect for the mystery of it all.
4) Seeking more spiritual whitespace by returning to the insights in, 'Finding Spiritual Whitespace:Awakening Your Soul to Rest' by Bonnie Gray and making room for resting in God as part of needful self-soul-care.
5) Savouring 'A Faraway Smell of Lemon - A Christmas Short Story' by Rachel Joyce (author of 'The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry) as a way to rediscover the human pangs and joys of Christmas.
As you can see, an awful lot of reading and contemplation could be going on as I dip in and out of these books! Maybe my desires will crash under the weight of them. Time will tell..
How about you? Are you entering Advent with anticipation or grim determination?
Feel free to share what helps (or hinders) your faith-walk in this busy season. I love to hear from you.
I'm linking here today with Janis for Sunday Stillness and with Charlotte for Spiritual Sundays. You are warmly invited to join us.
