Four hundred fifty-eight; the number of Bible verses containing a version of the word “faith”. Scrolling down the list, I notice three action verbs reappear consistently. Walk. Serve. Obey.
Walk faithfully. Serve faithfully. Obey faithfully.
Simple words, but not as simply lived. Sometimes the pressures of work and family life seem to squeeze out time for faithful living. We race from one event to the next, our children strapped in car seats during the shuffle between dance lessons, team events and church obligations. Bending our heads for an obligatory dinnertime prayer will need to suffice for today’s time of quiet rest in His presence. Or, maybe for the week.
Walk faithfully. Serve faithfully. Obey faithfully.
[bbctt tweet="Our holy resumes gathers titles and accomplishments...but we lose we sight of the One we're serving.#seekfirst#loveGod#loveothers"]
We feel compelled to join committees, causes, and councils. Our holy resume gathers titles and accomplishments, but how often do we lose sight of the One we’re serving in the midst of all the doing?
Instead of filling up on Christ, we moan about overcrowded schedules as our spiritual wells run as dry as the desert during a drought. All along, the life-giving Fountain waits to flow in us and through us; our bodies weary of frenzy and our souls aching for the refreshing nourishment He provides.
[bbctt tweet="Instead of filling up on God...our spiritual wells run dry.#fountainoflife#noneedtothirst"]
The Psalmist understood. He penned these words about his own experience.
You, God, are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you,
my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land
where there is no water.
-Psalm 63:1 (NIV)
This world, this culture, this high-demand-you-can-do-it-all system will lead us into the wilderness places if we allow frenzied living. I’ve been there. Have you?
I don’t believe this is God’s best for us.
[bbctt tweet="...when we settle into His heavenly company, He will bless our surrendered hearts.#faithfulliving#intentionalliving#lovingGod"]
While we attempt to check off today’s to-do list, the Father invites us to into His presence. And when we settle into His heavenly company, He will equip us for our assignments and bless our surrendered hearts. In Him and through Him, our thirst will be quenched and our spirits renewed.
Today, may you and I walk faithfully. Serve faithfully. Obey faithfully.
Peace and grace,
Tammy
I often link up with the following: Porch Stories, Tea and Word Tuesday, Literary Musing Mondays, Tea and Word Tuesdays, Worth Beyond Rubies Wednesday, Let’s Have Coffee, Purposeful Faith, Encouraging Word Wednesday, Sitting Among Friends, Imparting Grace, Destination Inspiration, Tune in Thursday, Heart Encouragement, Faith and Friends, Faith on Fire, anitaojeda, Dance with Jesus
This is good. I learned this lesson the hard way. I used to equate faithfulness with ACTION. It took a season on bed rest for God to teach me that He wants my HEART more than my to-do list. Sometimes, faithfulness means I must be still.
Hi Jana. Wow! I’m sorry you had to deal with such a difficult outcome, but praising God that He’s shown you how to be still in His presence. Peace and grace, Tammy
Yes! “Be still” is a prerequisite for obedience. How can we know what He wants if we don’t spend time in His presence? Happy to meet you through the Salt & Light link-up! :0)
Hi Vickie. Being still can be a challenge, but it is key to hearing from Him. Great to connect with! Peace and grace, Tammy
This is so powerful and timely, thank you! Found you from over at Crystal’s.
Hi Meg. I’m glad you stopped by my little space. 🙂
Blessings,
Tammy
Been in the wilderness way too much, glad He made a way of escape.
I completely agree with you. If we try to do everything in this world, without taking time to be in the presence of the Lord, we will make ourself crazy. Thank you so much for sharing this.
My pleasure, Angela! Blessings, Tammy
Great reminder for faith and walking forward in serving God! Thanks for sharing such important words!
Thanks for visiting, Rebecca. I hope you have a wonderful day!
Peace and grace,
Tammy
I learned a long time ago that church work can easily become an idol. The nominating committee gets grumpy with me with I don’t agree to do all the things, but other people need opportunities to serve, too :).
Our burdens are meant to be shared, aren’t they? Blessings, Tammy
So good and so simple. Walk, serve, and obey in faith. It’s really all we need to do.
It’s a relief for me when living is in context since I’m a Type B woman in a Type A world. 🙂
Yes to filling up on Christ instead of filling up our schedules. We complicate our lives, don’t we?
I know I do! Have a wonderful day. 🙂
This was actually my earnest prayer this morning. To walk away from the frenzy and enjoy the presence of God and the people around me. This post just reinforced it #HeartEncouragement
I’m glad God gave me words to affirm your own prayers. Peace and grace, Tammy