Monday 11 October 2021

How Sitting Awhile With God Helps Me to Live Amazed

 


Here’s what I think I should do, God. Sounds, good? Okay, let’s go! Have you ever told God where you want to go and how you want to get there, then asked Him to bless it? Yeah, me too.

Walking with God is an interesting adventure. For me, it means actively living out my faith while being totally dependent on Him, yet sometimes, I get too focused on the walk. My walk. My plans. Sure, I convince myself, I’m doing it all for God, but if I don’t take the time to sit awhile with God first, I venture out in my own strength. And we all know where that leads.

Turns out, talking with God is the vital link to walking with Him. When I lean in close to listen to God, I hear Him more clearly. Then, He shows me when to march on, when to stand still and when to sit awhile and rest. And even more, He gives me everything I need to do exactly what He’s asking of me.

I’m amazed really at how patient He is. He never lets my hand go, listens to all my rambling, scattered thoughts, and gently but firmly guides me in the way that I should go.

Sometimes, it might mean marching on like a soldier at war to carry out the mission He has set for me. At other times, He calls me to stand still, shielding me with His body, while He fights for me.  And still, there are times when He simply whispers, “Let’s just sit a while.”

And just like that my focus shifts from service for Him to devotion to Him. I toss aside my plans, my ideas, and take the time to be still with Him, to listen for His voice.

When I sit awhile with God:

He reminds me of who He is in all His glory, and I bask in His light.

He receives me as I am, broken, weak, prone to wandering, and welcomes my open and honest confession.

He reaffirms my chief aim – to love Him with all my heart, soul, and mind, and to allow His love to flow through me.

He refills my gratitude, reminding me that all I am and all I have are gifts from His hand.

He renews my faith and helps me to step steadily towards the miracle I know is there, but I can’t yet see.

He reassures me that despite the chaos swirling around us, He is still sovereign and good; He has a plan, and He will provide.

He prepares me for the next phase of our journey and gives me the courage and boldness I need to move forward when He gives the word.

Yep, sitting awhile with my God fills me with peace, hope, and courage and helps me to live amazed every day. Who would have thought that sitting a while could be such a vital part of walking with God?





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What about you?

Have you taken some time lately to sit awhile with God? 

What is he calling you to do? 

March forward? Stand still? Or simply rest and wait for His word? 

Why not lean in close today and listen for His voice.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 ESV )

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If you need help scheduling some time to be still, my friend, Shaunelle Drake, invites you to SitAWhile while she plays inspirational piano music for you. I have enjoyed several sessions with Shaunelle while in the comfort of my home. If you long to pull away from the noise and sit awhile with God, I encourage you to visit Shaunelle's site to register for the next SitAWhile right HERE.  

May grace and peace be multiplied to you,

Carlie

24 comments:

  1. Beautiful post, Carlie! It was such an incredible blessing to visit with you today! Thanks so much for sharing! Many blessings to you! :-)

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    1. Thank you, Tai; I'm so glad you visited. Blessings to you!

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  2. Wow Carlie, love, love, love how God is blessing us all with your word WALK this year. Only our Great Majestic Father can do this!!! Ha and the funny thing is God knows you like to sit but it's good to physcially walk. He is so amazing in His love and grace towards all of us

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    1. Thanks so much, Lynda!:) God is amazing, isn't He?

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  3. Carlie, this >> "sitting awhile with my God fills me with peace, hope, and courage and helps me to live amazed every day." It is the only way I can make it through each day. Lovely post!

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    1. Thanks, Joanne! Yes, it's the only way for me, as well.

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  4. Loved this! I think I need to do more sitting with God.

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    1. Thanks, Jerralea! I think we all do really. Blessings to you as you carve out the time to sit more with our Father.

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  5. So true! It is precious to just sit with Him and spend time with Him!

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    1. Amen! No agenda, no pretenses, just you and God, always an amazing gift.

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  6. Carli, this post was so refreshing! I enjoy sitting with God at various times throughout my day, defintely upon rising, but I love ending the day with Him as well as watching a sunset or sitting in my garden listening for what He has for me there.

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    1. Indeed, Donna, you have touched beautifully on what it means to pray without ceasing. Always, throughout our day we can 'sit awhile' with God. Blessings to you!

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  7. Sitting awhile with God is always so refreshing and enlightening. Love this: "He never lets my hand go, listens to all my rambling, scattered thoughts, and gently but firmly guides me in the way that I should go."

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    1. Thanks, Lisa! Isn't it amazing the blessings God bestows on us when we sit with Him.

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  8. I love that God invites us to sit with Him for awhile & patiently listens. ��

    You're most welcome to join me in a cuppa at Tea With Jennifer,
    Bless you,
    Jennifer

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    1. That God patiently listens is a gift that keeps me amazed. Thanks for visiting, Jennifer.

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  9. Wonderful article! I love the way you describe your fellowship with God! Very inspiring!

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    1. Thanks, Hadassah! To God be all the glory! He's such a loving Father to invite us into fellowship with Him.

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  10. Carlie thank you for this lovely guide to help us abide with Father God.

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    1. You're welcome, Theresa. I hope it blesses others. Thanks for dropping in for a visit. :)

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  11. Do you think "sitting awhile" is the same like "waiting"?
    Nice post.

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    1. Yes, thank you for your insightful question, Aritha. That's it exactly. We can envision 'sitting awhile' as times of prayer, yet it is also often a time to be still and wait for God. Perhaps if we see it as sitting awhile with our Father waiting on His timing, it'll make the wait ever so slightly easier.

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  12. So appreciate the list you printed in blue at the end of your post. Such precious benefits our Heavenly Father bestows upon us, when we sit awhile with Him! Such truths do indeed help us to live amazed. Thank you, Carlie, for drawing them to our attention.

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    1. You're so welcome, Nancy! Thanks so much for visting and for your thoughtful comment. We are indeed blessed beyond measure when we take the time to sit a while with God.

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