So last night I decided to just go to the beach and have some quiet time with the Lord. It was so peaceful, relaxing and beautiful =]
Don't get me wrong...it's hard to quiet your mind. Especially with all the noise and distractions going on in this world. Some one challenged me to keep the music off when I get in the car and it was so calming and peaceful. So many times we just get into the car and blare music, rushing to our destination. I would definitely recommend no music in the car for an opportunity to have time with the Lord.
So once I got to the beach I laid down by the water and just sat there with my eyes closed. Then my mind started going wild thinking about things I needed to do tomorrow, what the weekend had in store, and things about my day--replaying over and over. So I got out a notebook and just wrote down every thought that popped into my head. It was more effective not being able to see what I was writing (because it was dark). After a while, I didn't have anything else on my mind--QUIET TIME!
I sat there talking to God and praising him for everything he has blessed me with. I sat there praying for different people (I'm learning to pray more often and for more people). I felt the Holy Spirit because my heart was just deeply crying out for these people. It was amazing. I also prayed about basketball. That I could glorify the Lord by just playing at my ability and having fun. Showing him what he gave me. Not worrying about doing things right or wrong. Then the runner's verse popped into my head (1 Corinthians 9:24-26). I thought about playing basketball for the prize at the end of the race--Jesus Christ--not to prove anything to anyone. To be motivated by Christ alone.
1 Corinthians 9:24-26:
"Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So run with purpose in every step"
Then a bit later when my mind was quiet yet again, the passage about Moses saving the Israelites (Exodus 14) popped into my head. This verse specifically:
Exodus 14:13 "Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today."
Being a senior and about to graduate I know the Lord will provide yet I find myself wondering how? and if I am really following the Lord's plans or trying to take control of my future. This verse spoke to me saying, "I'm here and will protect you. Just let me lead and have faith."
Later I got up and walked along the water. The tide was really low and as I sat there watching the waves crash the water ebbed closer and closer to me. Instinct told me to back up so I wouldn't get wet. Then as I began to, I thought, this is just like what is happening with me and the Lord. He ebbs closer to me and I back away. I want that control and am afraid of 'getting wet'. I sat there trying to keep still and let the water touch my shoes. What was the worst that could happen? Get a little wet? Things dry. Why then am I afraid? Things will be okay-turn out better than I can imagine-yet I don't just let the Lord come to me. Exodus 14:13 came to my head again.
Exodus 14:13 "Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today."
Overall the experience was amazing and precious. We need to have this time with God everyday. So many times we are trying to "fit" him into our schedule yet, it should be weaved into our daily life. I encourage anyone who read all this to take time right now to just sit still and listen to the Lord.
This link is a video that I love. It talks about being still and the significance. Watch it and then have some quiet time of your own =]
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