Have you ever had a good friend show up at your door unexpectedly, when you’re in the middle of a mess, unprepared for visitors, and it turns out to be just what you needed at the time? I had one of those moments today with God.
I was in a frenzy at work, searching for an important item, and unable to locate it. I was on the verge of getting seriously worked up about it, thinking I had misplaced the item during my frenetic activity of the previous day.
It finally occurred to me that I should pray about it instead of hitting the panic button. After all, God knew where the item was, so it made sense to ask Him. Why does prayer often seem to be the last resort we turn to instead of the first?
I hadn’t done much more than say “Lord I need your help”, when I felt him say, “Stop, and listen to me.” Easier said than done, as I discovered. When I’m anxious about something or feeling driven by deadlines or outcomes, stopping seems so unproductive, even when it may actually be the best thing to do.
But when I did stop and listen, I was prompted with a place to look. And suddenly, the lost was found.
I find it so easy to be caught up in the busy-ness of life and unintentionally exclude God from what I’m doing. I’m grateful that he showed up in my mess like a good friend at my door, and sorted me out. It encourages me to look for more opportunities to connect with God throughout the day, to listen for his wisdom and guidance … even before I get myself into a mess.
Flourish! 