Returning to the One Who Knows You
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near” (Philippians 4:5).
Dear one, take 3-5 minutes to relax, breathe deeply.
Surrender everything to God. Name each thing, each worry. Let these things come to your mind and then surrender them, one by one, to Him. See Him taking them.
Lord, I give You…
How does your heart feel? Did you fully give those concerns to Him?...
Breathe deeply as you listen for Jesus’ “I love you….” Right now… What does it sound like? Let yourself receive Him–with your mind, your body, your heart.
Lord, I hear You…
Next, consider these verses for a few minutes:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you”
(Philippians 4:4-9).
Stay here with Him, letting your heart receive these words. What is God saying to you? What conversation is He inviting you to have with Him right now?
Consider spending at least five to ten minutes contemplating these verses and writing down your thoughts about them in your journal.
Next, continue your conversation with Him, returning again to these questions He raised with us in January, at the beginning of the new year.
How have I drawn you deeper toward myself, toward knowing me?
How have you wanted to go on an adventure with me—felt me inviting you into something now—but you have been afraid?
What new thing am I drawing you to now?
What deep longing is in your heart? How do you say yes to—and acknowledge—this longing, and how do you ignore it?
How do I draw you inward to know yourself—and me—better? And how do I draw you outward—toward action—where your fear is put aside, laid down, and you trust in me?
Enjoy this time talking with Him. And remember, “talking” doesn’t mean, necessarily, a language made up of words. There is a language of your heart that He speaks to you. You know it. Listen to that.
Amen.
