Stopping in the Fast Lane

Today I have the privilege of bringing you a guest post by my precious sister, Shanda Oakley.  If you're thirsty for some orange juice, I'm posting on her blog today.  You can like her here, follow her here and you definitely want to read more of her stuff here.  I know this post will be a refreshing stop in your day.  Please give my sweet friend some comment love!
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This morning, as I was driving to my weekly bible study, I was praying aloud in the car. It is the only place I am completely alone and no one but God can hear me. There are no disruptions. I cannot even answer my phone as driving and talking is illegal in California. I know that as I have already been pulled over twice. So this is the one of the most peaceful times I have to pray. 

I came to a time in my prayer where I asked God to impress on my heart anything He desired. I drove silently, waiting for Him to speak. 

It dawned on me that I was driving in the fast lane and that this was a pattern for me. It had nothing to do with the speeding ticket, lying on the kitchen counter, due to be paid. I actually live in the fast lane of service and over commitments. I long for slow walks in the mountains, leisurely lunch with friends and time to read the many books I have started but remain unfinished. Yet, I have so many commitments that I cannot afford to move over into the slow lane.  
 
As I was listening for God to speak, the fast lane came to a sudden halt and I was sitting, unmoving on the interstate. Could He have said it any plainer? I did not need to move to the slow lane, I needed to get off the road all together and just stop.  
 
If God took a day to rest, and expected the Israelites to honor ‘the Sabbath’, then that rule should also apply to me. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” It is in the stillness that God speaks to us and fills us with the energy to carry on our service to Him. He also gives us wisdom to plan our schedules in a way that is honoring to Him.  
 
I believe we need to come quietly before Him every day. But there are times when we need a whole day, or even more, to step back from activity and dwell in His presence. Mark 6:31 reads, “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, Jesus said to the apostles, 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'” (NIV)  

When we rest our bodies from activity and rest our souls in His presence, He restores us, recharges our batteries, and then sends us out with renewed energy and passion. 

Not only is it crucial for us to practice rest and relaxation, it is also important that we teach that as a priority for our children. We often keep them moving from one activity to another to keep them busy when we should also be teaching them the importance of being still. Let’s model rest for our children just as Jesus modeled it to his disciples.

HTJ4P5G98UTC

17 comments:

  1. Yes, even God rested on the seventh day. And of course not because he needed to, but as an example for us. Notice how much Jesus had to accomplish in his short life, yet he never ran or rushed anywhere!

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  2. Thank you, Shanda. I like your example of being still, and asking God to impress anything on your mind that He desired. Something we need to do more often ...

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  3. God has put that lesson in front of me as well. I have slowed down but how quickly I can speed up. This lesson has come more than once. I shouldn't be such a slow learner!

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  4. Shanda, loved this! Sometimes God has to really hit us up side the head and tell us to slow down and enjoy and be still. Loved this post!

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  5. Ginny, thank you for stopping on for a glass of OJ. I loved this - "He never rushed". What a picture of peace!

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  6. Cherry, I love what you saw in Shanda's devo - the need to ask Him what we need. Don't we usually do it in reverse? Beautiful!

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  7. Sally, how cool you noticed that we can't just speed right back up. That speaks right to my heart.

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  8. Melody Mae, thank you so much for your visit. I am honored. Please come back by again to be refreshed!

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  9. Jumped aboard from Shanda's site. Just love her & her writing. So glad to find women of faith blogging. Am now your newest follower from http://richfaithrising.blogspot.com/
    ~ Jen

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  10. Thank you, Shannon, for allowing me to guest post with your and for sharing on my blog. I'd also like to thank everyone for their encouragement and kind comments as we are all in this walk together. Nothing like Christian sisters!

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  11. It is a constant struggle. Yes, Sally, even when slow down it is easy to speed up again.

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  12. What a perfect post for me to read today. I love how you were driving and listening for an answer when you were forced to stop. I sometimes feel as if God is speaking to me all the time but I'm so busy moving that I too have to literally be stoped. Thanks for a wonderful reminder.

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  13. Love this post! I enjoy reading Shanda's postings and visit her blog regularly, she's a wonderful person!

    I'm a new follower from voiceBoks. Have a blessed weekend!
    http://www.mauimompreneur.com/

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  14. Such a good reminder Shanda. I always love my quiet time with God when I really stop and sit still. It's the getting to the point of complete, uncluttered quiet that can be so challenging. I've been contemplating how to help my 7 year old engage in quiet reflection, learning how to listen to God. Good thoughts to ponder.

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  15. Great Post Shannon. Thank you for introducing your friend Shanda. I left a comment and am now following her blog as well.
    I love how you both inspire and teach at the same time. And starting out my day reading your blog has been a highlight to my morning.
    Many Blessings,
    Cindy

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  16. Cindy, what a wonderful encouragement. Thank you for your kindness. I am so honored that you've found this oasis for your mornings.

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  17. How very, very true! I don't know that many people who are capable of just being STILL. We all feel the need to go, go, go... and even God's day of rest has become just another day to do housework or run errands.

    I think we have generally lost sight of what precious advice God has given us -- and that is to slow down and rest in Him!

    Thank you for sharing. I needed to hear this today.

    Blessings, Jenn @Misadventures in Motherhood

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