I lost my writing rhythm sometime last fall and haven't succeeded in getting fully back into my usual flow since. Some of the reasons are positive ones, a busier schedule with church and family, the grandkids in particular. I don't regret the time missed sitting at the computer to write when it means I'm investing more in people's lives. Some of the reasons are not so positive. The current atmosphere of division and strife on social media, including misunderstandings and hurt and disappointment among writing friends that I've made since I began blogging has been difficult to work though and process. I have felt the sting of intolerance while being told I need to be more tolerant. I have wrestled with the knowledge that when I stand firmly in the pro-life camp, the women who read my words who have experienced abortion feel hurt and judged. I have been confused by the lack of logic of those who use verses from Leviticus to support their view on one current issue and then say that other verses in Leviticus against another hot button issue are inadmissible because they come from the Old Testament. I have felt overwhelmed and stretched thin from it all. And this, the safe place where I express what God is doing in me and speaking to me, where I write about the things I see, feel and think, hasn't felt like such a safe place anymore.
And yet, this is the year that I am supposed to be abiding. Abiding in the shadow and shelter of the One Who is my Refuge and Fortress. I am supposed to be abiding in His love for me and being a conduit of His love for others. I'm supposed to be abiding in peace, and yet I sense the tension in the atmosphere, the war going on for the very life of what I hold dear and true. I'm supposed to be abiding in Him, yet in my flesh I feel like I suddenly have spiritual ADD and get so easily distracted by who is saying what and what is happening now and what is going to happen and current events capture my attention more than He does all too often.
But then He reminds me of two little words, "let the". "And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always]." Colossians 3:15 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition I am reminded that it's my choice what I let rule my thoughts, mind and heart. It's my choice where I abide and the atmosphere that I abide in. It's my choice not to step into the current cultural fray unless instructed to by God. If He tells me to speak up, then it's His approval alone that I must seek and I must not fear the disapproval of people. It's my choice to reject the desire to make sure my voice is heard and to submit to His voice alone. It's my choice to abide in His peace and to let His peace abide and to rule in me.
still following,
I get it Elizabeth. I vacillate between wanting to bury my head in the sand and listen to no one or wanting to know what everyone is saying. Neither is the way to peace. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteI like the term spiritual ADD
It's hard isn't it? I want to be aware of what is happening, then feel so frustrated by it all!
DeleteI want to encourage you to keep on blogging what God lays on your heart. So many times you have encouraged me by your words! I am not on facebook, twitter, instagram, etc. the " other side" would love to silence the Godly, to minimize or twist God's word. There is a need for Godly women to stand strong, clearly voice God's word. I think you do that very well.
ReplyDeletePeople will always disappoint people in some way at some time. Better to disappoint people than to disappoint God! He has given you the wonderful gift of sharing His word to a hurting people. Thank you for using it!
Thank you so much!!!
DeleteI agree with Nan!
ReplyDeleteBut I totally "get" where you're coming from.
I've been beefing up my time in the Word, filled my home with faith-filled music, and tried to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's direction in relating to "real" people in my life. ♥
Thank you, Rebecca!
DeleteI relate to this so much. Still haven't written a post about my word for 2017, and it's February. Whoops! But, I am abiding and listening and finding respite at His feet.
ReplyDeletexo
I sort of knew you could relate! Love and appreciate you!
DeleteI once read that verse in a version that made it jump out at me! It told me to 'allow' the peace of God to rule and reign in my heart. I had read that verse many times but had never realized that it is a choice - my choice - to allow His peace to be supreme! Thank you for your words here, dear friend. In this turbulent world it's good to come to a place where God's Word is shared from your heart.
ReplyDelete~Adrienne~
I often pray this verse over myself asking for God's peace to rule over my mind and heart.
DeleteStay strong, Elizabeth. Your blog encourages me and when I read your words I see your heart for God. My feelings when I read your blog are, this is a woman I want to emulate. I want to be like you and trust God the way you do. You are an inspiration to so many. Don't let the negative get you down. In this world we will have trouble but God has overcome. We need to have simple faith and realize that things are going to get worse in this world as we get closer to end times. Stay strong-God is using your voice! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteBetsy, your words have blessed and encouraged me more than you know!
DeleteWise words, Elizabeth. Abiding with Him will help us make better choices and speak truth to a world growing more desperate to hear it. Blessings on your weekend!
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you too, June. You are a real blessing to me.
DeleteI understand, Elizabeth. It has been a year, one where there seems no place for my voice in community.
ReplyDeleteThat's how it feels, friend.
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