Text: Romans 12:1-2, John 4:24, Psalm 95:1-11
As I sit down to write to you girls today, I have a confession. As I crack my knuckles, take a swig of coffee, and strap on my noise cancelling headphones, I have to tell you: this is attempt #14 at focusing long enough to appropriately meditate on and respond to these rich and right scriptures for today’s devotional. Talk about last minute: I am literally writing this 10 hours before it is intended to go live on the site.
My focus is off and my distractions number in the hundreds right now, it seems. And I need to repent.
Our family is preparing for a cross-town move at the end of next week and every utility company in the phone book requires applications and signatures and fees and phone calls. I’m getting texts from our builder asking “have you selected hooks for the mudroom yet?” and “it looks like you accidentally had some things delivered to a house that doesn’t belong to you yet.” I woke up no less than 4 times last night, working through details and decisions and checklists. (True story: two nights ago I actually dreamed I was taking a nap! That’s how exhausting these weeks have been—even in my sleep, I need more sleep.)
When I woke this morning, my thoughts immediately went to troubleshooting furniture arrangements. My waking (and sleeping) hours have been heavily focused on a to-do list that is all-consuming.
Now, there’s nothing innately wrong with a good to-do list—I’m not sure how I’d get anything done without them. But, I know the difference in my heart between managing tasks and throwing my mind, body, and spirit into something—and I know I’ve been fixing my whole heart on something that won’t last.
Have you read today’s scriptures yet? I have to tell you, Romans 12:1-2 is sure proof in my life that God’s Word is “sharper than any two-edged sword… discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). Once I finally sat my bottom in my desk chair to study and pray today, I found myself reading it over and over again, checking it in various translations. And I repented for my heart that is too often “conformed” and not nearly enough “transformed.”
I loved what I found in the Message translation:
“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.”
I confess my attention has been fixed elsewhere, and I think I’ve been missing a lot of God-cues and opportunities to love His people well. Not because graceless guilt tells me so, but because the Holy Spirit has been faithfully convicting me of this for days. It’s between Him and me. I only share this with you today because I think I’m not alone, and I want you to know that you’re not alone either.
If you find yourself so wrapped up in a project or life event that things of eternal significance are cast by the wayside, sit still a moment. Fix your attention on the eternal Savior. If you are having a hard time “readily recognizing what He wants from you”, return to Him in prayer. Let Him change you from the inside out. Our heavenly Father is full of grace and mercy, faithful to forgive and redeem—faithful to transform our too-easily-conformed hearts.
And then comes my favorite part. We worship! We respond to the Creator and Redeemer with thanksgiving and adoration!
We confess and repent.
He forgives and transforms us.
And we worship!
Whether my eyes were fixed on Jesus this week or on boxes that need to be packed, whether my attention is on His unending grace or my need for uninterrupted internet service, He is faithfully transforming me from an earth-bolted girl to a woman with a renewed mind and spirit. And whatever your life looks like this week, He is doing the same in you. For that, let us say with the Psalmist, “Come, let us worship and bow down!”
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172 thoughts on "Come and Worship"
For anyone reading this, please pray for my cousin who was assaulted this weekend and is in critical care.
Stephanie, praying for your cousin. Thank you for letting us know.
This is *exactly* the season I’m in–wedding in 2 months, buying and moving into a house before then, and finding a teaching job in the next few months. So. Much. To. Do. All are good things but it’s easy to let them take precedence over time with God since the other things have deadlines. Her words couldn’t be more true if she were sitting next to me at the coffee shop now as I try to focus my attention away from my to do list and sit in His presence. But I know, without a doubt, that when I release my grip on things and spend time with Him, everything goes better–I get more done, my anxiety is gone, my mind is calm, and life feels manageable. Three out of three times this week, I’ve started my work time with solid, not rushed, time with God–and I can feel it changing me. Changing my heart. My focus. Thank you, Lord, for continuing to pursue me. You are so faithful.
Ya God help me to take every thought captive to you. You know my thoughts before a word is on my tongue. Give me an undivided heart. I’m sorry that you’ve seen my divided heart, for saying one thing and believing another. You’ve been faithful when I’ve turned. Thank you that you’ve made yourself as God to be feared as well as friend.
I don’t take time to sit still…one moment in the morning before going again and my mind is spinning and pushing any convictions away. I don’t want to become cozy in the day…I want to be amazed by him in it. God help me hear your voice and obey it!
Lord forgive me, for being so very very distracted. Forgive me Father for being so easily conformed to this world and not transformed. Lord help me to take every single opportunity to renew my mind in your word. Forgive me Father for my focus being in school, relationships and my desires here on earth. Help me to fix my focus on you and you only. Thank you for forgiveness. Help me to change the way I do things,change my heart and fix my heart!
This spoke to me as soon as I started reading it. We are preparing for a cross country move (my husband is in the CG) and I feel at times I am putting that before my time with God. I love how He reaches us and let’s us know we are not alone.
I needed to read this!!! It hit home and I’m grateful that you poured your heart out so I know I’m not alone in this struggle. Life grips up pretty hard and I struggle with this. God will not forsake me. But I must pray, repent and worship. Beautifully put, thanks be to God!
This is right where I was last week! I’m so glad and encouraged that I’m not alone and even more grateful to be a child of God and a recipient of His forgiveness, grace and mercy.
Sometimes I feel guilty after reading something like this and talking to all of my friends with kids who are out of their minds busy. I get weekends to myself, to sleep in, relax, read books and work out. Then I remember that God has me exactly where I need to be at this time. Guilt is not from God! I need to rise up and step into the purpose that God has for my life. I am childless, I have more time than so many to dedicate to His work in my life! I have to be brave and submit my life fully to Him so that I can be his hands and feet.
Wow I love what your wrote here Hayley! I’m in the same boat as you, no kids and plenty of free time! Thanks for posting this, reaffirmed what God has been teaching me about being in this stage of my life for a reason!
Amen! I feel the same way! I’m single with no kids and Ive been struggling with being totally brave in fully stepping up to everything God wants me to do. I have to be brave and take advantage of this season in my life and grow. I love how God uses each season in our life for a purpose. He is so sovereign.
Just when I feel alone in this it amazing to wake up and read how others are going through the same thought process as my self.
God is so gracious and to know the body of Christ feels like I do, is comforting. What I go through in this busy world is no different than what some of you go through as well. Thankful for this blog.
Absolutely loved and needed this!
I work in communications in politics…talk about unending distraction from worship and consistent focus on the world!! Today I found myself 3 days behind on my quiet time and compromising my lent sacrifices (all focused around ridding myself of the things that I allow to suck my time away from the Word and from God.) I needed these words so much (as well as the other days I was behind on!) and do I ever relate to dreaming about sleeping and only thinking about if where I am has internet?! Haha anyway, thank you for sharing your distractions and being a reminder that it’s not only me…and that I can and must find Him anywhere and everywhere in the midst of the insanity!
I so needed this. Thank you. Sometimes (or maybe even most times) it’s not bad or evil things that distract us and cause us to take our eyes from the King but it’s the everyday things–the decisions to be made, the list to be completed, the deadlines to be met. It’s in those times of doing “good” things that I’m mostly easily distracted from worship to The Lord and instead conform to this world. Thank you for your honesty and reminder to turn back to Him in the midst of the chaos.
I needed to hear that kind of pure honesty. Upon waking earlier, I asked God specifically how do I go about becoming full of Him. How do I get rid of a hole that has been left inside of me from a broken marriage? How? And then I read Raechel’s message. It was meant for me today. Coincidentally, t too am packing boxes and living through to-do lists these days as well! I’m so thankful for your words, Raechel, and for you ladies. You strengthen me in so many ways!
Thank you, Raechel, for your honesty and for expressing your heartfelt thoughts…
This is right on target with what’s going on. I’ve been so stress about my graduated classes that in those times of stress all I have to do is bow down and worship Him.
Another post that hits home! I’m so caught up in nursing school and the stresses that come with that, that sometimes, I lose sight of what really matters. I lay down in bed at night and realize I’ve went the whole day without praying. I close my eyes to sleep and realize I haven’t done my Bible study. Man this world can get the best of us. No matter where my mind is though, God is transforming me constantly. Thank you for this post.
When it says God swore in his anger, I’m confused can anybody clarify for me?
My translation says he declared an oath in his anger. Meaning he made a promise.
that makes more sense, and I suppose it’s just our application of human emotion to an eternal setting and beyond human emotion gets tricky. thank you
Amazing. So spot on
Just love the Message Translation of this scripture! Great Devotion!
So perfect on the timing!! Thank you!!
“Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out”. Haven’t heard it like this before. Thought provoking
"………..and I know I’ve been fixing my whole heart on something that won’t last." Yes.
Gosh, it is so crazy how I think to myself, I need to go read She Reads Truth, and I do. And then I find what I am reading resonates deep within me. For real. I am not moving across the country. Or even down the street. I am currently helping with a conference that I co-chaired for years. And I find myself becoming…well, obsessed…there is no better word for it. What if I took this time, the sleepless nights, the often negative or frustrating thoughts, and used this energy for good. The good that I can offer and that is provided for me? I have not read the scriptures yet, so I may be responding again, soon.
Oh how I needed to hear this. I’ve been distracted by too many things. Mainly,just trying to stay awake as I read the study,and when I want to post something I find myself dozing off in the middle of writing it.ahh!! I’m still recovering from two surgeries I had a month ago,plus waiting to hear what’s next on my chemo treatment protocol. I just want to be able to get through one days study with a clear head. Please say a prayer for me to be able to focus a little better on our sweet Jesus. Thank you sisters. xoxo
Beth, I am praying for you right now. Give yourself some grace.
Thank you dear.
Praying for you Beth!
Thank you dear.
Beth, I have come to this late, due to 'distractions' , but felt to let you know holding you up in prayer…for strength, for peace, for 'awake' times that don't rob you of parsing and connecting with the Lord….sending you a gentle hug and love dear friend…God be with you…and He is, through this time of waiting…xx
Two words. Ouch and Amen! I praise Him for His faithfulness, and the nudges from Holy Spirit that draw my focus to my Source. Ouch and Amen, sisters. Ouch and Amen!
What good reminder to me that I don’t have to conform to what everyone wants from me. I just want to be transformed by Jesus
thank you so much for that, I was gettingg stressed about planning that still needs to get done for our wedding coming up in a month and eventho to me a month still seems like a month away the culture wants to tell me otherwise, I feel the pressure that everything needs tobget done now and I understand people want to help so I dont worry later but I also know I have the best wedding planner who doesnt want me to worry about the small details but keep enjoying this even with my sweet and thoughtful fiance. weve been praying for things to be fun in the process and planning but its funny (not really) when we stop praying things start to crumble and the enemy wants to attack like he knows best: my anxiety snd insecurities. God knows how much I need him but I need to repent out loud for not letting him lead me and be my only God. I need you God
i walk thru the valley of the shadows, your staff conforts me
Amen! With the demands of school and work and family crisis, it’s so easy to get distracted and stoop to the “culture of this world” but The Holy Spirit is teaching me to let it all go and just seek His Presence. Slowly my anxiety is lessening and things are actually working out. It’s hard but I’m so grateful for this community that reminds me to turn to Jesus, repent and worship! :)
Just wow! Stressed to the max being my daughter’s HS softball booster club pres, hosting a PlayDay tomorrow, season about to begin, working full time, another daughter playing competitive soccer! I will completely give it all to Him! And not be conformed to this world of stress, anxiety and busyness but be transformed and let His light shine as I do it!
I felt that this blog related so much with what I have been learning lately and I actually blogged about it last night! Hopefully it will be an encouragement to you guys :)
http://teamschubring.com/2015/02/27/learning-to-rest/
I’m a senior college student in a very demanding x-ray program along with planning a wedding and life has been constantly throwing things my way recently. I was just thinking when I was going to bed last night that I felt as if I was getting lost in the chaos that is surrounding my life right now. I have a small tendency to try controlling my own life.. I asked God last night to help me let go and give it all to him. I also asked for a sign that everything was going to be okay. This is exactly what I needed to hear today.. and I am so thankful to worship such an awesome, amazing God who brought the SRT family together. I’m so glad to be able to share and read the Word with you ladies, my sisters. ♡
I was praying last night for an answer to a long asked question.. It was unusual how long God was taking to respond, and then I woke up to this and it's exactly the answer my soul needed. Feeling so convicted of this, yet so thankful for the reminder to fix my gaze back on Christ. Thank you for being vulnerable…these words were truly God inspired! :)
I'm preparing to leave for a convention for 6 days and am busy getting ready and getting things ready at home for the kids to take care of as they will be on their own this week while dad's at work (thankfully they are old enough). But still, my mind is elsewhere and not present. This couldn't have come at a better time. Thank you.
I could go on and on about the specific ways that today's writing impacted me, but let me just say that I'm with you and many of the other commenters in the swirl of caring about housing. Today's scriptures and writing gave me a much-needed, well-deserved, kick in the pants. And, moms of small kids, I'm so sorry to do this to you so early, but it really made me thinking of the immortal words of Frozen, "Let it goooooo let it goooooooooooooo!"
Cheers!
This is what I needed to hear this morning! Thank you, Jesus! Please go before me today and every day! Amen!!
Distractions. Wow, I feel so convicted today. I am full of distractions. I have literal OCD when it comes to cleaning. I woke up at 4 am this morning because I just knew there were dirty dishes in the sink. There I was at 4 am doing dishes with anxious hands. I can’t stand a dirty house. When I should be playing with my little ones, I’m scrubbing the stovetop for the 3rd time today. Sometimes I’ll get behind on bible study because of cleaning.
But right now? There’s the mess of a toddler’s breakfast all over the floor. It needs cleaned, but I’m focusing on my bible study. That’s a HUGE step for me. Thank The Lord for speaking to me through She Reads Truth.
Sometimes God interrupts our busy schedule and gives us the time of peace and reflection we need. I had a VERY busy week scheduled with work, my boys' soccer games everyday this week and a weekend tournament, and knowing I have to leave Sunday afternoon to go out of town for 3 days. I'm a little OCD and trying to figure out when I'd get the house cleaned, groceries bought, laundry done and meals prepared for when I'm gone, etc was overwhelming me. That may sound silly to some, but I struggle with things like that. Well, God showed up – he dumped 9 inches of snow on my small southern town. We are not prepared for that in the south, so schools closed (I'm a teacher) for 3 days and games were cancelled. I've had time to do all my chores and had more time to spend in my devotions and in the word. God's beautiful handiwork is exactly what I needed this week.
Sooooooo good. So true. So thankful.
Amen, Amen, Amen. This is so on point in where I am at right now in life. I find myself fade and conform way too easily. And being a college student especially is a real tester to that. But I notice when I take the time to sit and rest in the Lord my mind quickly shifts and I can focus solely on God. Praise Him for continually being SO faithful and opening up His arms to hold us close!
Just what I needed today. I have been distracted all week and couldn’t focus on God. I’ve tried over and over, but I’d wind up thinking bout stressful things instead. I’ve felt horrible all week for letting my mind wander, and the devil loved to get in your mind at those times and tell you what a failure you are for being scatterbrained. So yes, my weary soul needed this today.
Oh my word! How convicting this post was. I am always so quick to conform. My deepest desire is to be loved. Unfortunately, instead of turning to God for that love, my first instinct is usually to turn to the people around me.
In Romans 12:1-2 (msg) Paul says, " Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking." I immediately realized that I sometimes desire to seamlessly fit in to this culture. I want people to love me and accept me, and I want it to be effortless.
God has been rocking my world during this Lenten season. I have had to come face to face with my unhealthy and sinful desire to conform so people will like me.
I am praying that God will continue to help me grow in reliance on him. I am praying that he shows me that his love is only love that I truly need and his love is only love that wont fail me. I am praying he gives me the courage so I can be transformed by him, even if that puts at risk of not being accepted by the people around me.
As a senior in college, I really needed to hear this. Thank you for speaking truth and life!
Congratulations to you, Alexandra! Whether you choose to further your studies or begin your career, I pray that God leads you and guides you to accomplish all that He created you for!
Loved the Message version of Romans 12:1-2. I had to journal it to hold that picture in my heart.
Yes. This season is moving so speedily, and a focus on work has become all-consuming for me. And it leads to me treating Lent like a checklist, as if some small self-denial will earn the love of a Savior who gave me all when I was part of the crowd chanting 'Crucify!' When schedules bear down and seem unrelenting, I let go of time in prayer, and that brings me to repentance. It shows me that I see time reading and praying as 'a nice to do' not a 'need to have'. May I see this truth and learn.
A speaker at our MOPS meeting last month talked about just how burnt out she got when she had four small children and was trying to manage their schedules plus hers and her husband- God was getting whatever was left and it wasn't much. She related to us that once she hit rock bottom, she felt God saying to her- "I want ALL of you." He wanted every ordinary and mundane part of her because, as she put it, we are all miracles. Once she realized that and finally surrendered all of herself to God, she didn't feel quite so overwhelmed anymore. I recently found the courage to do the same– surrender ALL of me, not just my best pretty focused parts, to God. God didn't create me– or you– to be task master balls of stress weighed down by so much junk. He created us to rest in Him. Things will get done or not (or delegated). But by focusing on Him, on His easy and light yoke, we can protect ourselves from being burdened by the issues in the world. Will everything be perfect? Probably not. But I will (and hopefully you will too) feel a lot more secure in knowing to whom we belong and that His plans and purpose for us our good and more important than any list of things we feel we need to accomplish.
Well said Melody. Amen!
Thank you, Raechel. For letting God speak through you straight to my heart – and reading the comments, so many others. With tears in my eyes – thank you for this.
God cues, I’ve been missing them too. Being a new mom, trying to prioritize what’s most important has been turned upside down. It seems like it’s been more important for me to —-, than to —-. The blanks can be filled in with a myriad of things. I am reminded of THE most important thing, worship.
Like most everyone else that has commented today, I feel that this was written just for me. We didn't move, but we have had to move our elderly parents (Dad-93, Mom-88) to a downsized apartment in assisted living so they could use more of their funds for services they desperately need. Mom is so angry that she had to give up her "stuff" she is lashing out terribly at everyone with words that have hurt all of us to the core. I have prayed and prayed to be able to understand what is going on with her because now in my frustration I am getting angry with her. Last night the Lord led me to call a friend who is a psychologist and ask his opinion. His response helped me so much. He said that for most people – the elderly especially – change means loss. That Mom is reacting with anger because that's the way she copes. He said anger is always a secondary emotion to something else – fear, helplessness, hurt, frustration, etc.
Mom told me last week that she couldn't cry – there were no tears. After reading SRT this morning I got down on my knees and cried my heart out for her. I pray she can give up the "things" of this world and be content with being with my Dad and give up her anger. I then praised the Lord for His goodness and mercy and for bringing me into the SRT community. I love you my Sisters in Christ.
Praying for your mother during this season of loss-loss of things and loss of control. It would be so hard to transition from a life lived in control to one where you are being led by others. I pray that she see God's goodness. I pray that you rest in His love:)
Thank you Sweet Sarah For your prayers and words of comfort.
Really loved reading Romans 12:1-2 today. Wanted to share a comment from my Bible on v.2 — "to renew is to renovate, implying a restoration to freshness or to an original state . . .the "mind" constitute the intellect or understanding, but also includes all that is described in the word "mind-set," that is, the feelings and the will. Being "transformed" by the renewal of the mind indicates a literal change in the form or formulas of thought or being." I need this "literal change" in my thoughts! Praise God, HE can!
Found this so encouraging :)
Thank you.
Romans 12 is one of my favorite passages and I wanted to share a video with y'all!
Ben Stuart – Breakaway Ministries: http://breakawayministries.org/Resources/talks/Th…
Whoop!
Can’t even tell you how God used today’s scripture to hit home what he’s been trying to teach me for many months. My body is currently a literal living sacrifice as I am nearing the end of a pregnancy I didn’t “want”. (It’s my sixth, I happen to be addicted to babies.) Number five turned my world upside down with his many eating issues and challenging nature, so I began to focus on me and picked up a new hobby and lost sight of what is most important. Decided I was definitely done having babies and promptly became pregnant! (My pregnancies are truly awful.) the last 8 months have been what I needed to get back to the Truth. There is so much more to be said about what God has taught me during this time, but I’ll just leave it at that. So thankful God uses these devotionals to speak so clearly to a girl like me who sometimes just really needs it spelled out.
Amber, love how you identified your body as a living sacrifice. How many women would kill to be able to house and grow and nurture a baby!!! I bet it was a whirlwind with 5 littles, but Jesus knows and chose you for it… Therefore knowing He would equip you for it. I hope your last month goes by quickly & that this baby is ‘easier’… But more importantly that the Lord helps you to rely on Him when you’ve got nothing left. And that you tangibly see how He works & gives you what you need. (Exactly what I’m asking Him to teach me too). Congrats, momma!!!
Needed this so much! With a little over a month from my wedding day things are crazy and I needed to be reminded to slow down and worship my Jesus!
Oh Raechel, I just lost everything that I typed, so just know that you and the whole SRT team are being prayed for. I am so excited how God is using this ministry to awaken ladies throughout the world. Drawing us to search ourself, confess our sins, repent, and then turn to thanksgiving and adoration. May He bless you for digging in the trenches with us.
Love this so much! Relates to a message Annie F. Downes gave on how this is the best life. Thank you so much for sharing
I have missed time with Jesus this week as our attention has shifted to the passing of my husband’s mom this past Sunday. Grief has consumed us a bit and my mind and heart have had a hard time focusing. I told myself that today I wouldn’t start my work day until I had sat down and prayed and read His word. Such a timely post and so thankful the Lord speaks to us through you!
Julie, so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your husband.
Julie, praying God wraps His loving arms around you and your Husband during this time. That you both may find comfort and peace in Him.
Julie, praying for you and your family. Grief is so tough. Praying that Jesus wraps his arms of peace around you.
Julie, I'm sorry for your loss…holding you and yours up in prayer..praying you know Gods loving arms around you…God Be with you all in this sad time..x
So easy is it to allow day to day to do lists get in the way of focusing on the Glory of God and reading his word. About a month ago or so I found myself getting caught up in my days and no longer setting out a space of time daily to read my bible and worship and just in the right time a friend of mine sent me a text asking if I had ever heard of shereadstruth.com and that reeled me right back in. I’m so thankful for her and this site because now I am allowing my time of worship everyday again and it feels so amazing.
This hit me in all the right places this morning. My boyfriend and I are talking engagement- SOON! Like next month. So, I am already so entangled in “secret wedding planning”. I need to chill out and focus on jesus, who ultimately brought us together. So thankful for this study and the reminders it brings each day!
Praying for all you ladies going through big moves this month! I’ve got one coming up, too! This was spot on today.
Really needed this today. Am really struggling with keeping the bigger picture of His presence and life instead of the smaller, stress inducing things. Thanks so much for sharing!
I just need to say that I’m also getting ready to move, across states, in a few days, and I decided this morning to take half an hour at my local coffeeshop to just relax and focus. I’ve been going crazy with “How do I have this much stuff!” and all the to-do lists of my own. How wonderful that The Lord knows exactly when we need Him, and gently redirects our focus and hearts on Him and what will give us life, not stress.
I have been really struggling with reading about ISIS, terror, and persecuted Christians. I’m so far removed, I don’t know what to do, how to help. But I’m beginning to realize this is the answer. What if our minds were transformed? What if we began to actually/actively worship in spirit and truth? What would the world look like with a community of transformed Christ-following women who repent, pray, and worship as a lifestyle? I don’t think Satan would like it. But I know God would be so honored if our struggles would lead us to Him.
This was me last week. Job hunting has been rough and I get caught up in all the details of portfolio perfecting, cover letter editing, and believing the lies of the accuser. Thank you for sharing. We are not alone.
I often find myself being conformed to this world rather than being transformed by our Father. Or I conform to the body of believers rather than being transformed by the one we believe and put our hope in. I get caught up in the mundane acts of this life and neglect to see Him working. I often can’t feel His presence, and that’s discouraging. But it’s not about feelings. What a great reminder to sit and wait, to seek and find Him in the everyday, to worship even when our lives are crazy.
Someone once told me that BUSY was an acronym for “Buried Under Satan’s Yoke.” When I used to come home from undergrad, and now that I’m in grad school, I was consumed by assignments, reflections, meetings. Everything I had to do, an endless to-do list. In that, I seldom found time to spend time with my pillow much less Jesus, and that meaning of that acronym began to unhappily ring true. It’s not that being busy is of Satan, but it can take you away from what’s really important, distracting your heart and mind from the joy of worship. You put it perfectly here how easy is it to be consumed by worldly commitments, but how simultaneously, Jesus is so ready and willing to transform our hearts with his loving grace over and over again. Thank you so much for your transparency and your sweet words of encouragement this morning.
What I heard here is, all He wants is our Worship. Stop ,Drop,and Listen for Him.
Yes. What a great summary!
I don’t know what happened this morning. I started sobbing to the Lord even before reading the devotion.
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face…”
I do appreciate the Message version of Romans 12:1-2. Thank you so much for sharing your heart.
Thank you Lord that you know the struggles that I and my sisters in Christ have and You turn us to Your words that we need to hear at that time. Praise your name!
Thank you for this Raechel! I literally am going through the same thing with moving this weekend and also stressing over a midterm I have on Monday. I have been so fixed on all the details of this stressful week of packing, studying and working that I’ve lost so much sleep in worry. God used you today to reach my untrusting heart and remind me He is bigger than all my tasks. He is the One worthy of my all. He is the one who brings peace to my soul and allows me to breathe a little easier.
Thankyou Rachael.
Thank you for your transparency!! We just moved 2 hrs north due to a new job for my husband. I TOO have been all consumed with address, insurance changes & the list goes on. I've broken down many times in frustration & exhaustion. I pushed God to the side saying I'll meet with Him later. The later never comes as my mind is mush at end of the day. He has been trying to get my attention in the usual ways He needs to for me. This was perfect for me. A reminder to put Him 1st…Mat 6:33 has and should continue to be how I live my life. Many blessings!!
Ladies, my heart has been paralyzed from moving forward with life and I'd like to ask for your prayers.
I've come to realize that many, if not all, the areas in my life have been empty (jobless, community-less, not knowing/not using my gifts, even my home space is bare from a recent-ish move). And so I've been leaning in to the 'winter', to the fallow, to the empty, which seemed appropriate during our literal season of winter outside. But as spring is approaching – there are little signs of growth and hope all around – I feel that now (!) is the time to start taking action. Not only because I can't sit – wasting my time – in this now-comfortable stuck-ness any longer, but mostly because I need to contribute (financially,etc) to my family. I'm seeing the ugliness of my selfish, prideful feelings that have been so focused on me, how I'm feeling, laziness, fears. These all too common distractions that hinder me from moving and doing. I've been crying out to God during this season, and asking Him to transform my mind, show me His way, and help me move forward. But I've felt that my cries are falling on deaf ears. Though truth be told, I'm likely not listening close enough or opening my eyes to what He might be doing. Oh, to get out of this self-made funk. (sigh.)
But I do believe God can restore my situation – add fullness back into my life – and that His plan is good and more than I can imagine. These things I know, but the actual belief and trust in myself has been lacking.
Please pray for my heart. That God will work in my situation despite of my feelings. That He will give me the strength to believe and walk in faith, to approach His throne of grace with boldness, to lay all that hinders me down at the Cross and leave it there. I long to be renewed, to live outside of myself, and to love His people well. Praying for strength and peace. And choosing to worship Him even now.
Praying niw Beverly
Many thanks, Michelle. So grateful for your prayer.
Beverly, praying that God will reveal to you how close he really is in everything you do. That you see through His eyes and know the the joys He puts before you! Remember God loves so much more than we can ever imagine and He wants to shower us with blessing.
Amen, Connie. Thank you so much!
Praying for those things on your heart Beverly!
Thank you, Sarah!
I'm praying for you this morning, Beverly.
Your prayers are so appreciated, Sharijune.
Oh, thank you ladies! I started taking small action on needed things. And then I came to this page and read your sweet comments of prayer.
I am so grateful for this community and thank you for your prayers. I know God hears, and He is working through them. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Praying for a little fullness myself, praying with you and for you Beverly <3
I pray that He will fill you, too, with His love, Maxine. That in our emptiness, He is making more room for His fullness. I appreciate your prayer. :)
Beverly, catching up as I have also been 'distracted' these last few days….giving thanks for you my friend, and praying all the 'asks' of your heart cont to fruition….God is GOOD..Amen…Blessings..and love to you..xxx
Thank you for your encouragement, Tina. Grateful for your prayers and kind words. Reading your comment reminded me of Isaiah 26:3. Praying we both can keep our eyes on Him, finding rest and hope in His perfect peace and love today and every day. He is so good!
Ironically, I was struggling to focus on today's scriptures because my lengthy and overwhelming to-do list kept running through my mind. What a gift your message was to me! Best wishes on your move.
Thank you for being honest and vulnerable today. I, too, have been fixed on worldly things. We are a new homeschooling family and I have been throwing myself, body and mind, into researching and learning as much as possible about it. My sleep has been disrupted and my eyes have been distracted from the Lord and His ways. This was such a beautiful reminder to turn myself back to Christ. To fix my eyes on Him and repent. He is my true guide and through Him I will find all of the answers to the important questions. This morning I will worship the Lord!
WOW! How I needed this today. Between planning for college graduation in May, planning a wedding two weeks after that, & searching for a house and a job…I’ve found myself going quite crazy. Thank you so much for sharing today. You definitely aren’t alone!
After a long week of working and dealing with some personal problems. I am final off today from work, instead of sleeping in longer. I am up at 6am worrying about my to do list. Instead of spending time with god. I’m so happy for today’s study, that I can renew my mind and focus on god.
I am so overwhelmed that I have no words. Simply wonderful.
Oh wow. This is exactly what I needed. I’m planning a wedding for April and I feel like I’m about to go insane. Most days I can bring myself back to Jesus and sleep easy because I know regardless of all the planning, we’ll be married at the end of it. The past couple days have been rough because I don’t have family close enough to help me and I wish my mom and sister could be more involved, it’s all hitting a much more emotional level. Thank you Jesus for accepting me as I am.
I feel you Allison, my wedding is happening in 15 days and I am feeling super overwhelmed and over
Focused by all that needs to be done. This dev hit home. Praying for you
I was encouraged by a lot in this devotional this morning. I am a busy busy grad student so I often put my attention on school and my students. I miss God-cues from an inattentive heart. I forget that, like The Message reminded us, worship is a daily posture. I am praying for be changed from the inside out and reorient my heart through worship.
Today Lord, I offer up my ordinary life to You. Find me here, see me. Praise and honor to you Lord.
So thankful for this space. Pushing back the crush of the world, letting the Lord press in.
THANK YOU!!!! Everything about this study hit home for me…..I let the first part of the week overwhelm me….I let the pressures and stressors of work and kiddos in crisis overwhelm me….I did not turn those feelings and emotions over to God…I tried to take it all on…..by Wednesday evening I fell apart – and was reminded to turn to HIM.
I absolutely LOVE the Message translation……I need to make a little card to post in my office at work as a reminder :)
Have a blessed *FRIDAY*!! (whoop whoop!!!)
tGif!! Amen!
I’m loving the reminder this morning that whatever is taking us away from Jesus, whatever is distracting us from giving it all to Him, we can bring it all back to Him by simply stopping and being quiet. We can fix our eyes on Him and trust that He is working on the issues heavy on our heart!It’s so hard to trust that He is really in control when we can’t sit down face to face with Him and have a discussion about what He is doing but by faith we can believe He is actually doing more for it than WE could ever imagine! Praise God!!
This is exactly what I needed to read today. We have a big decision to make this weekend and it has been weighing so heavily on me. Thank you for your dedication to bring biblical truths in a relatable way to women.
So glad to be reading this today – I have felt disconnected from God or out of alignment all week – With a very extensive “to-do list” this week , it was a struggle to make time with God a priority and even when I did my mind kept wondering to the tasks at hand and how it was all going to get done. Then l read this – talk about a shift in perspective. As I was reading he also reminded me of two things – first , the scripture “seek first the kingdom of God and all other things will be added” – that stopped me in my tracks – all the things on the never ending to list , all the things that keep us up at night, the things we that get us worries and stressed out – what if we just submit to scripture and come and worship him ; come and seek him first – he will take care of all of those things that we burden ourselves with. The solution to the burdens of our heart; the resolve and rest and peace that we so desperately want lies in the simple truth of worship and bow down. The second thing – he reminded me of is that when we worship – we surrender – we surrender the lists etc and when we surrender to him – he always lifts us up. Praying that today each of us will come to a place of worship, surrender and seeking him first because that is the place where out rest and the solutions we seeking lies.
I love how you connected those two thoughts of seek ye first and surrender. I have been praying for grace in both those areas. When we are stressed and busy we often try to manage behavior instead of grounding ourself first in His kingdom and His protection.
Thank you for sharing your truth which happens to be my truth this week as well. I intentionally busied myself with everyday life just to avoid dealing with the pain others caused me years ago in the church. Now God is calling me to forgive. Forgiveness is not for them. It is definitely for me. But it also means I have to step out of that pain that has kept me comfortable throughout the years. Sounds weird but it’s true. But God’s word is like a two edged sword & I can’t ignore it. Even as I type this response, tears fall down my face, and I am letting go and choosing to forgive. For the sake of mine own need for forgiveness.
When I read these verse, I saw my self as a sheep in her winter coat( I wear a lot of layers to stay warm in my job) I long to break free and jump about in a spring pasture. I realize after ready these comments we are all this way. Psalms 95:7 today if we will hear his voice. Today in all we are going Thur Today, don’t put it off in our busyness, today hear his voice! Love this part
My morning meditation was, “Tend to the small details of life. Be considerate of others’ feelings every day. Our legacy of sanctity lies not in heroic doings, but in performing every act with grace and kindness. ”
Love this! Adding it to my journal. What devotional is it from, if I may ask?
My heart was so sad as I sat talking to Jesus this morning about how I feel disappointed about not living up to certain expectations. Then I opened my bible and read the passage from Romans with brand new eyes. I love that Gods word never grows still or bottoms out.
Wow….lately I have been giving myself the hardest time because I can’t get my focus on God. I have a page on Facebook called Faith Finders and I have even found myself not knowing what to post because my life is so scattered right now.
I always have 5,000 things to do, but this week the burden seems to be a lot heavier. Thank you for helping me realize that I am not alone. This is the 2nd time that you all have helped me significantly in the past 4 months.
Love you guys and praying for you all.
Building and moving and selling our house over here too. And oh, am I living this right now. During a time when I want to be resting in and meditating on Christ’s sacrifice, I am forced to deal with these endless earthly demands. I have been very aware of my focus over the past few weeks. I feel tired and scattered and overwhelmed. Draw me nearer, Lord, to Thee…
Thank you for sharing, Raechel.
I think I have cried through every devotional this week but today’s especially. Raechel your honesty and transparency was God’s gift to me and His loving conviction. I am you. Early stages if a cross country move and decisions loom large. It’s easy to be consumed with worldly concerns. Before starting this am I’m prayed for help. Please Lord, help me fix my eyes on You. Then this.
Crying. Because it amazes me every morning how present the Spirit of God is and how alive the Word of God is.
Thank you for your authenticity. Your words were for me today.
Well, this was just straight fromJesus. I had to reread some of the verses because I was so distracted this morning. Thank you for your vulnerability. Love The Message translation. Come, let us sing for Joy.
Amen and amen! This is SO me. And so encouraging. Thank you, Raechel!
Love the words from The Message this morning.
I love being able to share with you guys and read some of the comments to see what is going on your lives.
This hit me: "But, I know the difference in my heart between managing tasks and throwing my mind, body, and spirit into something—and I know I’ve been fixing my whole heart on something that won’t last."
I have shared that I was looking forward to a promotion and marriage. The promotion was not what I thought and it was not set in stone. Yet I find myself exhausted by it today and I was wondering why. I read the above phrase and my eyes were open. I've been fixing my whole heart, mind, and spirit into it. And was disappointed to find out that it may not be. It was the same with wedding planning last week, although, no disappointment there, our marriage is going to happen. And what a joyous day it will be! But I was again throwing all my heart and mind into it, becoming tired because I wasn't slowing down like I should to focus on the Lord.
It is exactly as Phillipa said, "It's not the type of house we have in this world that matters; but rather how we have lived within it and how we treasured Jesus in our day to day lives that matters…"
Its all about the how we treasure Jesus. He is our home and He is the One we live for. He is the only sure and constant thing. Therefore, I will put all of my hope and energy into Him. I repent, I am forgiven.
And I worship!
Jessica.. loved your perspective.. and how you end. and I worship!
Thank you so much for this. I really needed this today. So much. I'm a SAHWM and it's so hard to focus on the eternal job of raising my little babe instead of the work that I feel is drowning me sometimes, hence me up at 5am filing my sales tax form…. I loved this sentence…Whether my eyes were fixed on Jesus this week or on boxes that need to be packed, whether my attention is on His unending grace or my need for uninterrupted internet service…..I love that I'm not the only one with the need for uninterrupted internet service!
I would propose that women generally live in this place of constant distraction. We are, by nature, multitaskers. We can mop, listen to a podcast and keep the baby from eating discarded food from the trash all at the same time. In our waking hours we often devote our mind, body, and soul to three different things at once.
Romans 12:1-2 serves as the perfect foundation for each day. I especially like The Message's interpretation: "…take your everyday, ordinary life and place it before God as an offering." He doesn't ask us to stop living in order to be spiritual; He asks us to be spiritual as we live. Stopping to give our mind, body, and soul's attention–all three at the same time–to the Father each day is CRUCIAL to this highest form of multitasking. It is in this place of quiet focus that our minds are renewed so that we live the spirit-filled life instead of a life changed and shifted by what is happening around us.
Praying for my SRT sisters, that we might all multitask spirit and truth today as we live out worship in our everyday lives!
I love how you phrased that. "He doesn't ask us to stop living in order to be spiritual; He asks us to be spiritual as we live." I am a college student, so I understand multitasking and to-do lists. I make time every morning for my devotional and prayer, but I usually only have 30 minutes. I find that starting my day off with God is great, but I struggle to continue to go through my daily life with God at my right hand. It is my prayer today that in my morning quiet times, I can prepare my heart and mind to live a spirit-filled life instead of conforming to this world.
Yep! That passage you singled out from the Message was the very one I wrote down.
Kelly, taking my everyday life…and giving it to God…I love it…great interpretation…and understandable too from the message…xx
AMEN Raechel!! AMEN.
Raechel – thank you for sharing with us your real self. I'm encouraged to do the same and lay bare what I need to confess so that I can repent and worship rightly.
Thank you, Raechel, for laying your heart bare to meet with us. This is a good word that I desperately needed to hear today. Thanks for pointing me to Jesus and His rest and grace.
Mine is a life event, not a move this time, thankfully :) I feel for you Raechel and the other ladies making big moves!! But just the same it has taken me away from my focus and I get all wrapped up in ME and how I FEEL and how stressed I AM even though I know I need to turn it to Him completely.
"Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…" I only know one way to do that and it is time with the Savior. So I find myself here each morning and in the Word and then in prayer..
I can't say I am THERE yet…and it is probably (okay definitely) my fault. But I keep coming back and He keeps listening and I know He wants to reach down and take it from me if I would just let go. Praying for all of us today to do just that. And worship! ♥
Here's my worship song for you today…The Great I Am! Great way to start your day!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5CWGi82N7k&l…
A great worship song for this sunny morning! Thanks for sharing, CandaceJo.
thanks for sharing.. listening to that worship song right now :)
This has been my lent walk..taking every thought captive…renewing my mind. Like you my mind wanders and needs to be reeled in…God has His way of doing that…suddenly…all is well with my soul.
Thank you for sharing this! Our family has just done an overseas move and am going through the same things. I am so focused on getting our family finally moved into our home, setting up utilities, paying the correct fees, getting cars registered in a new country,making sure our children are comfortable in their new school, trying to find new activities for them to be involved in, even trying to find a church in this new culture! – All good things and things that must be done- but my mind has become filled with just these things. I am overwhelmed with the millions of thoughts, concerns, and "to dos" that run through my head all day long, and I never seem to be able to get enough done during the day to satisfy my desire to get my family "settled" and my children secure in their new home far away from family and loved ones…I am even struggling to focus during my devotion/prayer time. The verse in Romans was a perfect and timely reminder, stopping me in my tracks "2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind… " And so were your words Raechel! Thank you for honestly sharing, you brought me to a halt and caused me to sit still and let the things of the world dim as I confess and repent…and worship!!
Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God….Conform to this world… So easy to do. I go about my life making my own plans.. attempting to take my own path… follow my own directions… in the midst of that I forget who I belong to and that my steps are already ordered. My story has already been written. I have to pray daily against the enemy's pull of this world. There is absolutely nothing eternal about this world. But my God loves me so much that even when I walk slightly off path He is quick to show me the way back.. To direct my steps back to Him. I pray that I will allow God to transform my mind and my will to His. My life is not my own and is not mine to give away. My heart belongs to Him and can only be taken with His permission. I belong to Him.
Thank you for this, loveHimso. Some days, I have the same wandering heart … And so thankful to know it is bound to Him eternally
(I accidentally hit thumbs down instead of up.)
I have been thinking on this subject so much this past week! Thank you for these words and verses today I am a missionary out in a remote village in the jungle of the Philippines. A few weeks ago I looked out our church window and saw a scene which made my mouth drop open and then sent me running for my camera. A family was moving house….as in THEY MOVED THE HOUSE. A group of men had their little grass hut, (which a dear little family calls home) and they were carrying it up on their shoulders. They moved it from one side of the village, to the other in about 30 minutes! One of the things I have loved about living in a culture that is different from the one I was raised in; is that it often gives me a different perspective on life. This particular moment though didn't do just that; it totally put life itself into perspective for me. I remembering standing on the side of the road thinking, life is so temporal and the verse that popped into my head was; " Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break in and steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:19) A house, in my mind is such a permanent, secure building. Yet, seeing this scene where it was just picked up and carried away, was a stark reminder to me that all of this life is like grass and it will wither and fade. It is only how we have treasured and lived for Jesus that will never pass or fade away. I can set my roots down so deep and so quickly into the temporal, instead of living as I am called to do as a "citizen of heaven." It hit me that moment as I stood on the side of the road, all this stuff, these houses that seem so permanent and secure will all be gone. It's not the type of house we have in this world that matters; but rather how we have lived within it and how we treasured Jesus in our day to day lives that meters…eternally! Your words today reminded me of a well known hymn: "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace."
Dear Lord, please keep our eyes fixed on you, we are weak and our hearts wander so quickly from things that are eternal to things which are temporal. Help us to treasure You above all, so we may bring glory and honor to Your Name." Amen
PS: Wish I could show you all a photo of the house being moved!
Oops sorry for all the typos….I have a two year old on my knee while typing!! ;)
I was thinking the same thing! I would love to have seen a picture :) What a beautiful reminder of the things that really matter. God bless you in your service for Him, He sees it all friend. ♥♥♥
Your comments made me think of the song by Point of Grace called "How You Live" Listen to it when you get a moment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qQm8283qsg
Gayle, this song was so beautiful. Tears. I had never heard it before. Thank you for sharing it with me. I really loved it. Blessings to you today.
Thanks for sharing, Philippa! It's hard to imagine: you getting to engage in this community within a remote village in the Philippines! Technology is something wonderful & I'm so glad you can stay connected. Now, if we could all learn to stay connected in Jesus! Praise His Name. Thank you for your service in His name! Your sister, in a remote village in Kansas, USA. LOL
Thank you for sharing your story….it's how I have lived within my house and how I have treasured Jesus in my day-to-day life that matters…eternally! Oh, yes Phillippa, you are right.
Thanks for sharing, Philippa!
Thank you for your comment – it spoke volumes to me!
Philippa, praying alongside you in your prayer…that my eyes will be fixed for sure on Jesus..and things eternal..not on those earthly things that overwhelm me…Amen..x
Is there no way you could share the pictures…it would be amazing to see…
God continue to bless you and all you do for His glory…xx
Hi Tina! Thank you for your words of encouragement. I was just thinking I could put the photos on my blog (I was intending to write a post on this anyway). However, I won’t get to it for a week or two as I have a lot on my plate these next few weeks. I will let you know when I post it! Love to you today. Philippa xx
God’s timing is always impressive and I always seem to underestimate it. Yesterday night I was really frustrated over how difficult it is for me to stick to my decision of fasting from Facebook, how easy it was for me to follow the patterns of the world around me. So I sat down to try and find God’s voice in all the noise around me, and pretty much stumbled over the passage from the Romans. I read it over and over again and got so motivated to stop doing what this world expects/wants me to do and to instead let God renew my heart and my thoughts! I posted this passage on my Facebook page and decided that that was it: I won’t let Facebook steal my time on this earth again! So I logged out, went to sleep, woke up and read THIS! The same passage from the Romans all over again. Amen to that! The Holy Spirit knows what he’s doing!
thanks for your comments. I’ve been struggling with giving up tv for Lent and rationalizing watching it at certain times. reading the devotional today and now your comment had really helped!! thanks!!
Isn’t His timing and quiet whispers to us awesome?! Kudos to you for listening to those ques and digging deeper when you needed guidance. Your post has inspired me to abstain from Facebook for a time. Blessings.
I needed this so much. Thank you.
My life events right now include a small baby. I usually do this study late at night during his feedings. So often I read them, soak them in, sleep – a glorious thing- and by the time a new day begins forget all about it as my attention goes back to feedings, diapers, naps, laundry, household chores, bath time, tv watching and repeat. My husband and I have been struggling with our next move in life and the voice of God and His will are muffled by our days. This was a great reminder- a splash of cold water on the face – of how to attend to Gods will. Thank you for your honesty – it’s so real and truthful. I said a prayer for your move and your mind!
And I worship!
Oh my gosh, you just wrote my life out today. My family just went through a cross- country move five days ago. My week has been filled with millions of boxes and to-do lists, just like you. And, just like you I have been hearing that Holy Spirit call to be with Him, to still myself. It almost feels next to impossible for an interior designer to not be consumed with trouble shooting furniture layouts! So thank you for sharing your life, and thank you for sitting down to be with God, to let Him use you, and to be reminded of the things of His heart. In a place where I know hardly anyone, it is good to know there is another woman fighting hard to pursue God through a million life distractions.
God is so good – I keep rereading the last paragraph . We confess and repent. He forgives and transforms us. And we worship! The last few nights I have had awful insomnia which any parent with a small baby knows is less than ideal as I’m sleep deprived anyway! Well yesterday I realised I needed to face up to what was causing my anxiety and leave it with God. I start work in 2 weeks, yet 2 nights ago my husband struggled to feed and calm my son – he is a proper fussy mummys boy sometimes! I worry more about him settling with a childminders than me being at work! So yesterday I let go, I trusted it over to God and he was so good – my first uninterrupted sleep for a long long time and I feel amazing for it. I am calm for the first time in weeks and I worship!
Hooray, Claire! Your story is sweet, and I'm grateful for your light-hearted perspective on your situation. Praying that more good sleep is in store for you. :)
Amen…God is GOOD..x