Familiar Lesson - try again

Well, it has been 11 months since I last wrote but those who know me would find that pretty normal (at least I stated it when I created the blog). Plenty has happened in life but you aren't interested in reading my "dear diary" from the past 11 months (even though there are many great adventures).



I wrote in my journal a few weeks ago (which gets attention about as often as this blog) that I needed to be careful. One of our desires in returning to the pastorate and being in a smaller church was the longing for more intimacy with God. I was tired of running after so many things and not walking deeply with God. I have enjoyed that over the past months but have seen many signs, lately, of that creeping away. Good things. Wonderful things. But ... things that have been barging in on those deep and renewing times with Jesus.



This was a busy week. We enjoyed the last of our visit with Tyler, Andy, and Tariq before they left on Wednesday. Friday was a full day road trip for Tate's track meet. Friday night was short with a 4:30am wake-up call for another 300 miles for another track meet and we got home late Saturday night. Sunday was a good day in God's house, a message on Christ Our Savior, and a long walk through the elk refuge for Mother's Day afternoon (come see the nice 6pt shed that Louie found!).



All of that to say that by this morning ... I am tired but excited. There is lots to do; lots of things I feel compelled to turn my attention toward; calls to make; plans to be made; and you know the story. As I prayed before opening my Bible I said, "Lord, you know I am distracted but I know and You know ... I need to be in your presence and drink deeply before I jump in to the day." My OT reading has me in Exodus and today I read chapter 14 and as is so often, God spoke into MY world through the lives of people long ago.

The Israelites have fled Egypt and are pinned. The sea on one side and Pharaohs mighty army closing in on them... and I think I have issues that keep my mind spinning! In that chaotic moment when the Israelites grumble against God, to Moses ... and the Egyptians are about to destroy them ... and all of the world seems to be on Moses' shoulders ... Moses reminds the people, "Do not be afraid ... The Lord will fight FOR YOU; YOU NEED ONLY BE STILL." Ah yes, how many times God reminds me of that!

The situations can change. Sometimes it is fear (the Israelites and sometimes me). Sometimes it is great things that demand attention (today). Sometimes it is just forgetting God. While the situations change, the lesson doesn't and I relearn it today ... the Lord will fight for me. I need to be still and allow Him to be my portion. Days are sure better when I learn and apply that truth.