Do Less...Be More

You are God's precious creation---created at conception with worth---created with a mighty purpose.

I was supposed to sing a big song this past Sunday at Church--a song that has been so etched into my heart that my soul just longed to sing out its declaration, not only to the church but also over my own life.  I longed to sing "It is Well" -- I longed for Heaven to hear my cry, my soul's desire, I longed for this declaration in the midst of everything in my life.  

In the days leading up to Sunday though I caught the seasonal cold/flu.  I thought to myself, okay, I can do this--I can get over this.  If I just push through-- I can control this.  A few days later, I then found out I had strep-throat.  A doctors appointment and some antibiotics later, I was still determined that I was going to prove to myself and to God that it was still well with my soul.  Then...I lost my voice.  I didn't get to sing my song and my fight to prove that I could Do it landed me in bed--exhausted, feverish, and sick..

I had thought for some reason that God would somehow hear my heart if I could just prove to Him my determination and my deepest desire to be close to Him.  I wanted Him to know my worth, I wanted Him to know my strength, I wanted to remind Him of my purpose. I know that sounds so silly to say---to tell the all knowing God of the universe my purpose, strength, and worth. 

That evening (realizing now I should have probably stayed home, but so glad that I didn't) we had the church Christmas party and at the end we all sang worship together.  I tried again so hard to sing and yet nothing came out.  I was forced to stand there as everyone around me sang and I had to just be still and listen.  Such beauty surrounded me---melodies from hearts of others that were crying out to their God.  I was overwhelmed that I got to be a part of something so strong, something so sweet, something so powerful.

I stood there, held out my hands and just received from God His goodness and His peace, and His promises.  He washed over me and my heart and I didn't have to do a thing.  I was mute and yet He heard my heart.  I was barely able to stand and yet He was my strength.  

It was if he was telling me, "Stephanie, Stop Doing and Just Be In My Presence."

Why is that we feel we must prove our worth or our hearts to God?  

Why is it that we think we must do something great in order for God to hear our cries? 

Why is it that we think we must be perfect before God can use us or desire us?

It is in our brokenness.  It is in our weakness.  It is in our weariness.  

It is in our stillness.  It is in our surrender.  It is in the quiet. 

It is in all these things that God meets us, hears us, and surrounds us with His presence.

It is not in our power--but in His.  It is not in our doing--but in His.  It is not our will--but His.

This post is to encourage ourselves to stop doing and to start being.

We do not have to do anything to win God's favor.

Your heart is held by the creator of the universe and whether you scream from the top of a mountain or whisper within the hidden places---Your God hears every word, every cry, every desire. 

Your hand is held by the Great I Am---not because of anything you have done to earn His embrace but simply because He longs to be near to you.

You do not have to prove your worth to God----so stop trying to prove your worth to yourself.

You my love...........just simply have to BE.