When in chaos, stake out space.
I am personally gearing up for what may be the busiest season in recent years for me. While the summer has NOT been restful (e.g. moving homes, consulting with clients, and more), I have resolutely worked at creating silent space within myself.
Nourishing silence.
Necessary space.
At a time when my own life requires much of me, the world is afraid, and the people of America in chaos, my soul lay hold of space and silence.
It is probable that some readers and friends felt I was too silent—on issues or in support of one side or another. On the other hand, I lost an old friend for saying too much with a Facebook "like". But wisdom and TRUTH (both the person of Truth and the objective reality) are found in wide-open spaces, particularly within. This summer—and all its surrealistic pandemonium—was, for me, a season of answering a call to carve that space.
When Christians pursue Christ, there is a well-worn path that can be followed. There are many books that elaborate on this path and centuries of writers who illuminate it. The key to moving along the path is to keep your eyes on Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith. The key to doing so successfully is to respond in the season or portion of the path you find yourself in.
Here are two common ones, as examples:
If you find yourself in the boat, telling the others in the boat that you have a dream from God, and they respond by telling you to sit down and not rock the boat, then it is time to get out of the boat. (Just don't sit back down!)
If you are called to rest and/or be silent, make sure (as I did) to do so. Typically, this call to rest and recharge happens just before you slay the proverbial giant that keeps you from laying hold of the dream God gave you. (If you don't answer this call, you'll be too tired to slay the giant.)
These passages have meant much to me over the last weeks, I hope they inspire you to find the nourishing space as well:
"And I'll stride freely through wide open spaces as I look for your truth and wisdom; then I'll tell the world what I find, speak out boldly in public, unembarrassed."
—Psalm 119:45-46 (Message)
"We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand— out in the wide-open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting praise."
—Romans 5:26
"He brought me forth into a [wide-open space]; He rescued me because He delighted in me."
—Psalm 18:19
"From my distress, I called upon the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me in a wide-open place."
—Psalm 118:5
Grace is gifted to us in the wide-open spaces created in our hearts.
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