Encouragement for Today - Jan. 29, 2009
January 29, 2009
Unsettled
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin..” Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)
Devotion:
It’s been almost a month since many of us resolved to do some things differently this year. So, how is it going? I only had a couple of resolutions this year. But the one closest to my heart and most deserving of my attention is the prayer I scribbled out on New Year’s Day.
Unsettle me.
These are the two words rattling about in my brain today. I almost wish it was a more glamorous prayer. Surely more eloquent words could be found for what I'm feeling led to pursue during this new year. But these are the words - this is the prayer for my 2009.
The funny thing is I've spent my whole existence trying to find a place to settle down, people to settle down with, and a spirit about me worthy of all this settled down-ness. All of this is good. A contented heart, thankful for its blessings is a good way to settle.
But there are areas of my life that have also settled that mock my desires to be godly woman - compromises if you will. Attitudes that I've wrapped in the lie, "Well, that's just how I am. And if that's all the bad that's in me, I'm doing pretty good."
I dare you, dear soul of mine, to notice the stark evidence of a spirit that is tainted and a heart that must be placed under the microscope of God's Word. Yes, indeed, unsettle me Lord.
Unearth that remnant of unforgiveness.
Shake loose that justification for harshness.
Reveal that broken shard of pride.
Expose that tendency to distrust.
Unsettle me in the best kind of way. For when I allow Your touch to reach the deepest parts of me - dark and dingy and hidden away too long - suddenly, a fresh wind of life twists and twirls and dances through my soul.
I can delight in forgiveness and love more deeply.
I can discover my gentle responses and find softer ways for my words to land.
I can recognize the beauty of humility and crave the intimacy with God it unleashes.
I can rest assured though harsh winds blow, I will be held.
Goodbye to my remnants, my justifications, shards, and tendencies. This is not who I am, nor who I was created to be.
Goodbye shallow love, sharp words, self-focus, and suspicious fears. I am an unsettled woman who no longer wishes to take part in your distractions or destructions.
Welcome deeper love, softer words, unleashed intimacy, and the certainty I am held.
Welcome my unsettled heart.
Welcome 2009.
Dear Lord, Make me a courageous woman who isn’t afraid to pray this prayer over and over this year. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Visit Lysa TerKeurst’s blog to read about prayers that move the heart of God.
What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst
Application Steps:
Spend the next couple of weeks reading through the book of Hebrews in the Bible. Write on 3x5 cards every verse that speaks to you personally. I’ve included some of my favorites in the Power Verses below. Hebrews is such an amazing book full of truths about who Jesus is and how powerfully He can help us in our pursuit of becoming unsettled in the best kind of way.
Reflections:
What are some things in my life that could stand to be unsettled a bit?
Is there someone who I could extend some forgiveness to?
What part of my life do I have the hardest time trusting God?
How might I make progress this year in those areas of struggle?
Power Verses:
Hebrews 1:3, “The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” (NIV)
Hebrews 2:18, “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (NIV)
Hebrews 5:13-14, “Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” (NIV)
© 2009 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G,
Matthews, NC 28105
