If there has been one thing that has been a resounding cymbal in my life recently, it is that my relationship with God is sacred and needs to be valued.
I will be the first to admit that I have a difficult time putting God at the beginning and center of everything. It easy for me to wake up and rush into my day without ever thanking God for the air I woke up breathing. It’s easier to make a decision in the moment that feels right than really seeking God for his wisdom on it.
I know from experience when I’m not placing God at the center of my life, I’m going to struggle more than if I would let him in.
Read that one more time.
Did you catch the word more.
I know I forget even when I am walking with the Lord I will face trouble. However because I have Him I am not crushed, perplexed, or abandon.
The way The Passion Translation puts 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
"Though we experience every kind of pressure, we’re not crushed. At times we don’t know what to do, but quitting is not an option. We are persecuted by others, but God has not forsaken us. We may be knocked down, but not out.”
Knowing all of this leaves me with a choice. To continue to try to do things on my own, or to lie down at his feet and allow him to work in me and through me. I would much rather have the latter of those two. In this season I feel like I’m learning really practical ways that I can connect with the work without it feeling like a burden. I’d love to share just three of those with you and maybe you can find one that will help you draw closer to the Lord.
1. Doing a devotional/bible study
Right now I am reading through a devotional called 100 Days to Brave by Annie F Downs. I absolutely love her books and would recommend them all! They have carried me through so many seasons. This one is written as a devo page or two long that you can read pretty quickly every morning or night. I prefer to start my day with the devo and even try to read my before my feet ever hit the floor.
If you’re not looking to buy a devotional or study there are plenty of free downloads on the Youversion bible app.
2. Journaling your prayers
When I am feeling really heavy and I want to draw close to the Lord I love to grab my journal and pour out my prayers and my heart in my journal. I love actually writing them out because it gives me the ability to go back months and years down the road and see all that God has accomplished. This is another great way to start your day, waking up thanking God for that day (so much changes when we start each day with a heart of thanksgiving) and pouring out every burden you have. If your mornings are too busy, take a few minutes every night to reflect on your day and thank God for what he has done and pray for anything on your heart. Try it for a week and see how it feels.
3. Art and the Word of God
One of my favorite ways to meditate on scripture is to embrace my creative side by turning what I’m reading into a piece of art. For me, this usually looks like calligraphy or watercolor. Feel free to use whatever medium of art is most comfortable for you. Not forcing something that feels unnatural. If art is not your thing, you may not connect to God in the way and that’s okay. If you haven't tried though, I would really encourage it. Breathe, slow your mind, ask God to reveal more of the scripture and let your mind paint the picture for you. If you try this at all I would love to see what you create. Please share it with us!
Connecting with God on more and more intimate levels is a process, and one that takes time. I’m thankful we are on this journey together. We may not be where we want to be but we are getting there together.
I’m so excited to see what we learn this month as we continue to discuss creating foundations with our creative devotional study.
Let’s dive in deep, lay it down at his feet, and see just how much freedom we can experience in the loving arms of the Father.
All my love,
Elizabeth
// About Elizabeth @etothegreeno
22. Artist. Writer. World Traveler. Light Giver.
May my life be a constant reflection of the goodness and faithfulness of Jesus. May the work he has done in me be a testimony of provision and favor.