Tapping out to tap in - Often

Ironic that I am talking about tapping out of technology and the busyness of life to tap into hearing God more, by writing this in my blog on my lap top! Yet here we are.

Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Life is busy for most of us in various ways, for me its full on often! I have a huge family, I am in the peak of my career, love what I do, connected in my community, I have good friends, love life and love people. As an extrovert it is easy to bury myself in connecting with others, in person, through social media, at work, at home etc...

I write for a living and work as part of a virtual team, so my whole work day is spent on the phone or online.

"How do I be still?" This was my constant cry

A long time ago I was struggling with my energy, I was feeling drained, and frustrated that I couldn't seem to carve out enough time to tap in to God, his word, his holy spirit, his presence long enough to find out what he wanted to say to me, what he wanted to show me.

I realised that there was ONE thing I could do daily (most days) that would take 30 mins and completely ground me, walking in nature.

I am so blessed to live 2 mins walk from a huge park with a bush walk in it, that connects to the Hutt River, so I can walk for 15 mins and hit, park, bush and river.

During this time I intentionally tune in, plug in, whatever you like to call it. I start with gratitude, sometimes singing to worship music, sometimes I just listen to the birds.

As I walk and pray and give thanks, people come to mind, situations come to mind, prayers come to mind, I get given peace, solutions, words of encouragement, energy, revelation and often joy.

Sometimes things flow easily and from the start, other times I really have to tune out the busy brain and distractions and re focus more than once, I use gratitude to refocus. Either way it is intentional.

If he gives me a word for someone or an encouragement, I make sure I send a voice message, txt message or something right away.

Its like God is just waiting for me to come to him, to tap in and spend time with him.

The joy and love I feel from him at various times is tangible, but I can't adequately put it into words, often I feel emotionally overwhelmed and want everyone to be able to know and feel this. I feel sad that while this is available to everyone, not everyone does.

I have days where I can't wait to walk and tap in, other days it is a struggle, life throws a curveball, I am not feeling great or am tired, I wake up late, or its cold and wet.... I find winter is a real battle for me.

The days I struggle but push through, are often the days I get the most from the walk.

If I don't make it one day, I don't beat myself up, I just let it go and make sure I go the next day, I aim for 5-6 days out of 7 rather than obsess about getting it perfect, that creates negative pressure, and who needs more of that!

I definitely notice the days I don't take this time at the start of the day, when I am doing things in my own strength, and not tapping in to God's grace, guidance and protection, I am more exhausted and off track.

I encourage you to read the whole Psalm 46 its beautiful, if we want these promises from God, we have to make space for him, perhaps you do this in other ways and have no trouble staying still and spending time in his word, in his presence, I am in awe, this has never been easy for me.

If you have other ways you tap out to tap in, please feel free to share your encouragement in the comments, and feel free to share this blog if you think it will encourage someone.

Arohanui

Jen

Psalm 46

For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According to alamoth. A song.

1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. 8 Come and see what the LORD has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. 10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” 11 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Source:

https://www.biblestudytools.com/psalms/46.html