humus

Forgive me, O Lord,

when I think I know.

When I hold 

more answers

than I do questions.

For when I even begin 

to think I have arrived,

it’s a sure sign of how far 

I really have to go.

yoke

Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

     yoke

stop trying so hard

to be everything

and do everything

that is a yoke

you were never

meant to bear

instead

come unto me

take my yoke upon you

i made it just for you

and it fits you perfectly

it is who you really are

you won’t have

to try so hard to be

someone you are not

thus you will find

rest for your soul

 

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30, MSG)

find rest

psalm 62:5-8

our ability or inability to rest

ultimately comes down to trust

which all depends on what we

really believe to be true about God

if we and unable or unwilling to rest

we don’t have a scheduling problem

we have a belief problem

motives

not demand

nor applause

but only the voice

of the One

shrinking

you were never meant

to be the hero in this story

so stop trying to be

that role has already been taken

stop taking up all the room

don’t make yourself so big

that you keep getting in the way

of what i’m trying to do

don’t think so highly of yourself

that you think it can’t be done

whatever it may be

without you

i can take care of things

just fine without you

you are not the essential one

i am

but then again

maybe that is

your greatest fear

maybe you can’t stop

you can’t become still and quiet

because of your immense need

to be the man

it's time to start shrinking

make me a non-anxious presence

Well, I did it again (See this post).  I became so concerned about what I was going to say, and how I was going to look, that I missed what was unfolding in front of me.  Someone was right in the middle of their story, and I was already thinking about the perfect response, rather than simply listening and being present to them.  And, unfortunately, this is not an isolated occasion.  I do this all the time.  I get so consumed with need, rather than with love, that it keeps me from being able to really listen, both to the person and the Spirit.  Lord, have mercy!

O Lord, free me from the prison of self, and make me a non-anxious presence in the world.  A presence that is not driven by need, but by love.

My newest book!

 

Coming out on Friday!  My newest book: Fall in Love with Me: Love Letters from Jesus 

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