I’m in a very unique season of life, with many changes taking place this year. I’m seeking the Lord for a new career path, having served in the local church vocationally since 1985. God is opening new doors and new ministry opportunities I never would have imagined before. I’ll turn 50 this summer, the half-century mark. I’m facing neck surgery and possibly knee surgery. Our eldest daughter is graduating college, and moving to Savannah for grad studies. Our younger daughter is a rising star in her company, and becoming more independent. Many changes.
As I’ve been seeking God’s guidance and direction in my life and for our family, He keeps reminding me of four simple truths. From His Word, in books, from friends, in sermons, these four from God keep my heart pursuing Him-
Trust Me- “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) God wants me have faith in His heart and plan for me, even if I don’t understand all the circumstances I am in. When you can’t always trace His hand, you can always trust His heart.
Wait on Me- “Wait for the Lord. Be strong and take heart, and wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14) I have a hard time waiting, for anything. Yet God’s timetable is usually not synched with mine. I must let go of my desire to hurry up and be busy, and learn to wait on His movement and leading.
Listen to Me- “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) In this age of information overload, it is so hard to not only turn off the noise around us, it is just as hard to turn off the noise within us. Even when I’ve got the house completely quiet, or I’m out on my motorcycle with no music plugged in, I find it difficult to quiet my heart and mind to listen. God will not shout above the noise in our lives. We must tune our ears and hearts to listen for His “still, small voice.”
Rest in Me- “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him…” (Psalm 37:7) This is connected to trust, waiting, and listening. Rather than fretting about what I should be doing or working on next, the Father just wants me to rest in Him. Make the most of every opportunity He presents daily, yes, but our heart position should be seeking to sit at His feet, learning from Him, resting in His love for us.
Jesus said, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Trust, wait, listen, rest. Four from God to build my life around.
Rob Brooks 