“As for me, the nearness of God is our good: I have made the Lord my refuge.” -Psalm 73:28

Observation

As a newlywed and young Christian, I am hungry for the things of God. I didn’t grow up in the church, nor do I  have mentors or family members to guide me in my relationship with God.  My greatest influencers are the people I attend church with.  I quietly begin to observe people in our church. My motive isn’t to judge, it’s seemly to glean what it means to love God. I’m curious about how to be a young woman who serves God. There are a couple of women who stick out to me: Angie and Elizabeth.

 Angie is a happily married mother of three. She works outside of the home and volunteers at church.  The phrase she uses most often is, “I’m so busy!”  She carries tension in her face and rarely smiles.  Chatting with her in the foyer is typically rushed and filled with distress.  She seems tired, bitter, and overwhelmed.  It looks like she needs a break, but she rarely takes one as she busies herself in the body of Christ.

Then there is Elizabeth. She is close to retirement age but she acts like she’s thirty.  She is petite and wears the latest fashion trends. Her kids are grown and she has grandkids, but she also calls me “kid” like I’m one of hers.  It’s the sweetest term of endearment.  It doesn’t matter if you’re four or fifty-five, she’s going to call you “kid!”

She smiles easily and has an irresistible twinkle in her eye as she speaks.  It’s like she knows a secret.  She is loved by everyone and oozes Biblical knowledge and grace.  She shares her struggles and trials openly.  Her life is accessible to all as she shares her pain to encourage others. She points me to Jesus every time I talk to her. I can’t wait to be in her presence. 

She serves endlessly as the church but has a lightness about her.  Joy, peace, and grace flow from her tongue. She never uses the phrase, “I’m so busy” as she slows to minister to young and old each Sunday. She pauses and prays for you in the hallway or offers an encouraging word.  She talks to God with honesty and conviction.  She believes God will answer her prayers. She’s the kind of woman I want to be.

For the first nine years of our marriage, Elizabeth became my dear friend and mentor.  She hangs out with me at my house and we talk about marriage, parenting, and the goodness of God.  I glean wisdom and insight on how to relate to God.  I listen to her rattle off Bible verses with ease because she walks in truth.  She gives me a love for the Word. 

She’s the first one I call when we miscarry our second child.  She encourages me as I’m on bed rest with our third child.  She shuffles Keenan off to kindergarten, prepares meals, and cleans for me while I’m incapacitated. 

Elizabeth prays in bold prayers as my husband faces a grim diagnosis of chronic progressive Multiple Sclerosis.  Each crisis, she exemplifies unwavering faith and shows me how to do the same.  

Duty or Devotion

Why are these women so different?  They both love God and want to serve Him, but one seems tired and overwhelmed while the other seems vibrant and joyful.   Perhaps personality plays a role, but I’m hungry to find out.  

Could it be, one is content in doing things for God while the other has learned the value of being with God? One serves out of duty, while the other serves out of devotion.

Have you felt the ache of being weary from doing things for God?  You expect your service to fulfill you and for God to approve of you, yet most days you feel empty and resentful. 

There’s a better way, friend.  We can learn to sit and be with God. We can pause and experience the fullness of His love for us.  We don’t have to earn it, work for it, or serve for it.  God willingly wants to relate to us.   He desires to spend time with us. He wants to talk to us and minister His peace and compassion. He longs to fill us with contentment.

Dear Ones, this only comes from intimacy with Him. When we make intentional steps towards God He will meet us.  I want to help you grow in your connection with God. I’ve created a course: Draw Near Beloved: Six Growth Mindsets to Deepen Your Faith.  If you’re ready to change the way you relate to God, this course will help you. I lead you graciously and tenderly through six growth mindsets that will help you feel closer to God. The course is a part video and part workbook.

The course retails for $67 but I’m offering it for an introductory rate of $47. If you’re ready to grow, click on the button and it will take you to the course.