I am poured out like water; and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast; my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death.

Psalm 22:14-15

It was this type of frustration and pain that I caught my heart in earlier this week. There had been sweet moments of blessing and encouragement in the week, but unforeseen circumstances and disruptions seemed to dominate the past few days. My heart was weary and hurt. Wanting nothing more than to pull back and disconnection from situations and people, I did the best thing I knew to do. I made myself a cappuccino, took my breakfast to the balcony and put my heart before the Lord.  

His Presence gradually filled the space around me bringing comfort and peace. After praising Him for His faithfulness, I felt prompted to ask the Lord two questions: What part of your character have I been doubting in the midst of these circumstances? and what part of my identity in Christ have I been doubting in the midst of these circumstances? After listening for the answers, I repented for the lies I had been believing and asked the Lord to replace them with truth. Having reestablished who the Lord is and who I am to Him, my heart was then in a position where it was ready to receiving healing and hope. I continued to dialogue with the Lord, repenting of sin when revealed and rejoicing in hope when given. By the end of that time spent in the secret place, my circumstances had not changed but my heart certainly had. The Lord saw the small and simple step that my heart took toward Him and was quick to answer with kindness and mercy.  

Taking time to step back and seek the Lord in difficult moments is a discipline we absolutely must adopt, Dear Saints. But we must also choose to pursue Him in the midst of boring or tedious moments, too. Setting our hearts to seek the Lord in the doldrums of life can seem just as challenging as seeking the Lord in the midst of trials and pain. At each and every second, the Lord desires to meet with our hearts. He desires to walk with us, fellowship with us, have companionship with us.

This notion is talked about quite often, but actually incorporating it into daily life is difficult. There are circumstances that are nothing but hostile to love, joy, peace, and patience. There are also circumstances which become distracting and drain us of our strength and energy. But when we do choose to talk even the smallest of steps toward the Lord, He is eager and faithful to respond to our hearts. Our devotion and obedience will not go unnoticed. I would challenge you to begin seeking the Lord in the middle of life’s daily moments and doldrums and what and see how He will pour out blessing, strength, and favor upon you. Walking closely with us in between every heartbeat and every breath is the Father’s dream; He will gladly run to you as you take steps toward Him. But we must decided to press into Him and lean into His Presence, especially when it is difficult.

In fact, it is in those difficult moments that we have the most excellent invitation and the most precious opportunity. We can choose to love and seek the Lord, despite the uncomfortable, or lonely, or painful circumstances we find ourselves in. We can choose to say “yes” to Love. In seeking His heart and holding fast to His Word, our hearts can trust that they will indeed be kept in safety and peace before Him.

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making the wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.”

Psalm 19:7-11