STOP
How often do you feel overwhelmed? And then because of that, you don’t make time for the things that would cause you to not be overwhelmed because you are checking off boxes. What if on a regular basis, you took a few minutes each day to put all of it aside and spend time with God? Before you get overwhelmed. When you go to be with God, there’s literally nothing better for you to do than to just simply pause and be with Him, letting him speak to you. Sit for five minutes with the creator, rest and pray to Him.
First, notice the thoughts playing through your head. What’s on your mind? Put it aside for a few minutes, table it for another time.
Third, notice your feelings. How do you feel this morning? Anxious, tired, excited, happy, overwhelmed?
Lastly, imagine all of it (your thoughts, your feelings, your emotions, the expectations, your agendas, your to-do lists) as unchecked boxes. These boxes don’t need to necessarily be filled. What if you leave them alone and let God decide which are important? What if the only box you checked off today was spending time with him. What if he checked off some of your boxes for you just because you spent some time with him? What if, throughout your day, you realized that you didn’t even need whatever was listed under that checkbox that you thought was important? We can rest in Him, knowing He has got it all in His loving hands.
EXHALE
Next, breathe. Breath in…and out…in…and out. Close your eyes to everything around you. God is as close to you right now as the breath in your lungs. Find peace in this thought. When you are ready, pray this simple prayer a few times while still focusing on your breathing.
As you inhale pray, “The Lord is King”
As you exhale, pray, “for ever and ever”
LOOK
Let’s look at the word of God for you today. When God speaks, it’s important for us to pay attention. Read these words slowly and carefully. Read it a few times if necessary. Notice which words or phrases stay with you.
“Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? [...]Arise, Lord! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless. [...] But You, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand [...]The Lord is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land. You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.”(Psalm 10:1,12,14,16-18 NIV)
ASK
What stood out to you? Highlight/mark it in your bible. Have you ever felt like David that the Lord is far off? Where do you hide yourself in times of trouble? In those times of trouble, have you sought out the Lord? When God doesn’t necessarily answer your prayer right away, do you persevere in faith anyway? Do you stay faithful? Do you ever feel helpless among those who are unrighteous and conceited? In this psalm, we see how God fights for you. He will lift up his hand against it. He sees your trouble and grief. He hears your desires and listens to your cries.
HEAR
What is God saying to you? Listen to hear his still small voice. Quiet your mind and search your heart. Now pray: “Speak Lord. Your servant is listening.” You are waiting to hear from the Holy Spirit. Don’t rush this. Based on the scripture you read today, is there anything God is asking you to do? What is he telling you about your relationship with Him? Read the scripture again if you need to. God is speaking to you through it. Let him. To finish up your quiet time, ask yourself how you see God. Are you viewing him as standing far off while you stand in times of trouble? Or do you see him as taking your case in hand, hearing your trouble and grief, listening to your cries. Or is it somewhere in between? Wherever you are, remember that “the Lord is King for ever and ever” and that he is here for you.
