I had a really rough day yesterday. And this morning I set out determined not to repeat it. So after I dropped Rob and the kids off at work I started my usual ACTS (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication) structured prayer. I've been determined not to allow this prayer to become flat or routine, so I just started praising God for all He is and all He's done. I didn't get too far in this process before I realized that mere english wasn't going to satisfy my need to praise Him, so soon my heavenly language soon poured forth. Immediately the car was filled with such peace and I just felt the stress and strain I'd been walking with the past few days melt away.
Why did I wait so long? How come we forget to recharge and let the power just leak out of our lives. I picture a helium balloon with a slow leak. Pretty quick we are hanging at three feet looking sad and wondering how we got there. When we are supposed to be scraping the ceiling, busting with life and purpose - TO PROCLAIM HIS GLORY!
I think so many people have bought into the lie that they can only receive from God at the altar, or in a camp or revival service. They don't realize, that once you've been filled, you can use that gift any time. And you should! Some of my most incredible moments with God have been in the privacy of my own bedroom or in the car while I am driving down the road. (I like to think there is a supernatural hedge of protection around me when I'm driving in that condition) The hangup that snares most people is that you have to set aside time to truly seek Him.
As soon as I felt like I could, I began praying, in English, to confess my lack of dependence on the Lord. I realized that I had drifted from the power source. Sure, I had done my bible readings, and said lots of breath prayers in the past few days. But I hadn't lingered, and I certainly hadn't experienced that vital fresh touch from the Spirit.
You might think, "well, Anna, you are a pentecostal pastor's wife, you have to live a Spirit-filled life in order to be effective." And I couldn't agree more. But ironically, where I needed the touch the most is in the mommy aspect of my life. I realized this morning that I can't possibly hope to raise these children successfully in my own strength. And once again, I am so grateful for supernatural access to the throne of God.
"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from your the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:18-20
2 comments:
I love this post, Anna, almost as much as I love you. You are such an inspiration and I am truly blessed to call you friend. I needed this word so BAD right now. Thank you for always being faithful to share what God does in your life and who you are.
PS. I think it is also fitting that my word verification to post this comment is "boing". I want to be bouncing and boing-ing along like a helium balloon trying to break out of a box.
Thank you friend.
thank you, sweet Shelley. You are always such an encouragement to me! God knows exactly what we need, when we need it. :)
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