To all those who have been wondering where I have been or why the devotionals stopped two days ago, I went on a short family vacation. Sometimes, we don’t realize how much noise we have allowed into our lives until we step away from it. We become so accustomed to the demands of our daily routines and the people that rely on us that we can forget to recognize the quiet ways God is speaking to our hearts and how He is the one the others really need. Sometimes, the very thing we need most is to pause long enough to hear Him again. And this weekend I did have some quiet time for some very usual reasons
I had thought about taking my computer, but someone told me that internet access was very limited. I also remembered that my laptop is broken and not really usable, like quite a few other things in my life. The more I prayed, the more I felt led to disconnect from all of my electronics and focus on what was right in front of me as much as possible. Those who know me personally also know how challenging it is for me to focus on only one thing at a time.
The time went by fast and slow at the same time. The family enjoyed many activities, including boating, fishing, and camping. We ate all our meals together and experienced an early church type of family time that seems rare these days. The moments were precious.
My time away was blessed by being with family and some close friends. Having my grandchildren experience this time together was an amazing blessing. We were at Parker Canyon Lake near Elgin, AZ. The weather was cooler, which was a challenge for me because I do not like the cold! The sun was bright and caused the children to burn, especially when they were fishing on the lake.
It was a different normal for me, if only for two days, and one that challenged me more than I thought it would. Still overly busy but also calming. One of the Bible verses I have always struggled with is Psalms 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God…
This verse encourages a state of quietness, but it is not instruction to passive idleness. It implies a surrender of control and a cessation of personal efforts and submission to God’s plan for us. This part of the verse calls for a deep understanding and acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty, omnipotence, and faithful presence in every situation His children go through.
It emphasizes that God’s will and plans are sovereign and will ultimately be fulfilled, regardless of the chaotic conditions that surround us. The act of being “still” is an active choice to trust in God’s control rather than attempting to force things through worry, striving, or fighting.
In essence, I find this verse to be a powerful message of trust, encouraging me to surrender my anxieties and recognize the unwavering power and presence of God in my life, day by day as well as moment by moment. “Being still” does not come naturally to me, especially when there are so many things demanding my attention. Yet, I am learning that not everything presented before me requires my immediate response, and not every burden is mine to carry. Sometimes, faith means allowing God to work while I release my need to understand, manage, or control every detail.
During my time away, I came to see life through a clearer lens about what He has called me to do and what He hasn’t. I thought about how short my days actually are in terms of how many may be left. I truly felt the ministry of God’s presence over my life while away. There was a quiet awareness that settled into my heart, reminding me that life is not measured only by what we accomplish, but also by the love we share and the moments we take time to experience.
I have contemplated my life and how there are so many pieces of it flying around me, and I am trying to catch them all but cannot. Like a child chasing lightning bugs. When I watched my grandchildren around me, I tried to catch glimpses of who they were in those moments because I know that I will never experience those exact moments again. Children grow, seasons change, and life continues moving forward whether we are ready for it or not.
For those who are young and vibrant, I know it may feel like you have all the time in the world, but you really don’t. I remember being young and quick, but I have noticed now more than ever, especially after this weekend hiking back and forth to the lake from the campsite, that I am older and slower. There is a humbling beauty in recognizing that each season of life has something to teach us, even when it reminds us of our limitations. We cannot hold on to every moment, but we can learn to be more present in the moments God gives us.
I did enjoy my time away, and God showed me more than I am able to share right now. One thing for sure is that being disconnected from my world for a short time helped me reconnect with God on a deeper level and showed me a more focused purpose, and for that I am humbled.
Perhaps we all need moments when we step away from the noise, lay down the distractions, and allow our hearts to become attentive to God’s presence. We can begin right where we are, whether that means putting down our phones, sharing an uninterrupted meal with someone we love, spending time in prayer, or simply sitting quietly before the Lord. These small acts of surrender can open our eyes to blessings we may have overlooked while rushing through our days.
My hope is that we will each find the courage to slow down, trust God with what we cannot control, and cherish the people and opportunities He places before us. No matter what season of life we are in, there is still room to grow, to listen, to love, and to discover new depths of God’s faithfulness. May we all learn to be still, not because life has become quiet, but because we know the One who remains faithful through all the noise.
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My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog
Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*
To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.
