Self Reflection...

So I was on vacation these past couple of days and I challenged myself to spend sometime in silence and solitude with God. During that time I reflected on a number of Scripture passages, taking time to truly meditate on each of them. But the most rewarding part of this time was when I sat and just listened to God as He spoke to me directly. What follows are His words. Although much of it pertains particularly to me, I know I'm not alone in many of my struggles, so I pray you might also find encouragement, peace, conviction, and love in these words:

Stop striving! Stop trying to earn what you already have! You're making yourself tired by taking on guilt and shame that aren't yours to carry.


Why are you so afraid to be still and silent before me? Why do you use my Word as an escape from really experiencing me? I love you! You have the right to come before me, to sit at my feet and listen as I reveal myself to you. Yes, you will learn things about yourself as well, but you don't need to fear that. There will be conviction, but there will be no condemnation. I know that you will fall; I'm not asking you to be perfect; I'm asking you to be obedient. Know that I will pick you up when you fall. There is only grace and forgiveness here. I'm holding your hand, and I will never let go.

There will be celebration here as well. Have you looked back to see how far you've come? Or are you just looking at how far there still is to go? You are different; you have been growing.You have stepped out in faith not knowing what it was I was calling you to. You are no longer the cowering child who clung white-knuckled to whatever made you feel safe and comfortable.

You are a woman of faith who has walked out onto that tightrope, holding on to nothing, but trusting that I would not let you fall. Your footing is sure—I will establish your steps as you move forward.

Sitting in silence before God was/is one of the most encouraging things I have done in a long time... So many times we seek to spend time with God but when was the last time that you allowed God to spend time with you? We all have a "life" that we live that we hate to have interrupted with pointless moments of silence but look at it this way, with a world that has us going in every direction how do we expect to follow Gods lead as a Christian if we never take the time to listen to Him?