God wants our sitting down with His Bible to be more like coming to dinner than going to the grocery store.
David Mathis
The above quote filled my ears and settled in my soul as I stretched, listening to this morning’s devotional from Glorify. I have uncovered the necessity of soaking up time with Jesus, and the quote resonated deeply.
Learning to Rest
I’m a planner, even more than a doer. Without intentionality, it’s easier for me to over-plan a meal, do the required shopping, and busily prepare the “perfect” meal than to sit down and enjoy it. And then, sitting down at the table is only half the battle. Once seated, the concerns of hosting continue. Is the food staying warm? Does anybody need anything? How much time should we allow before moving on to the desert? My inclination is for my thoughts to race constantly. And if I’m not intentional, my moments there will be lost (see Luke 10:39-42).
Jesus renews me when I receive His invitation to sit at the table with Him. When I’m still enough to hear Him say, Child, sit with me. Here, resting in this moment, receive all I have prepared; it is enough (Ps 23). Let what’s happening out there happen; sit with me. Receive.
Often, it’s easier to give/do than to receive, a battle between pride and humility. God is against the proud, but He gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). I need grace. Receive. Because really, it’s only in learning to receive the little things that He teaches our hearts to receive His gift of Salvation. I must acknowledge my need. Grace.
Purpose in Relationship
Learning the character of God is the objective of the Bible. Story after story reveals Elohim’s heart. Not someone else’s opinion or their interpretation handed to you, but a personal revelation from the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). As God reveals His true character to each one of us, a longing deep within grows for the only thing that can genuinely satisfy us, a relationship with our Creator. If I am open and willing, He is the only One who can align my path exactly with His purpose for me. As I get to know the true Elohim, I trust Him with my moments. As I hand Him moments and details, I learn that He leads me down His perfect path. Then, every circumstance becomes a space for Him to show His power, an opportunity to worship through trust, and the true adventure of really living begins.
"You will show me the path of life; In Your Presence is fullness of joy." Ps 16:11
The Battle for our Time
As I searched online for a reference for the above quote by David Mathis, I came across his essay that echoes the sentiments I have discovered so powerfully- read or listen to it here; I promise it will be 10 minutes, well spent!
Sometimes, the battle is to learn to be still. We can receive only in this place of stillness and quiet, sitting at the table with our Lord Jesus. The enemy would instead have us perceive time with God as a task to accomplish, something to check off the list, grocery shopping.
But I have discovered that intentional time in the quiet, with the Living Word and my heart open, restores me. Jesus modeled this for us; He often retreated to a quiet place to spend time with His Father (Luke 22:39). He is our example.
It’s only here the adventure of fully living can begin, sitting at His Table. But first, we must accept the personal invitation that Jesus is extending to each of us. Of all the invitations we may consider this holiday season, this one will change everything!