By Brenda Jank
God speaks to us through creation.
He speaks to us through his Word.
God speaks to us through quiet hearts.
When I was little, I was baffled–BAFFLED–by Jesus’ desire to pray. “Why would Jesus want to pray? Prayer was about getting stuff. He was God,” I reasoned. “He didn’t need anything.”
Jesus needed nothing.
Jesus desired the presence of his Father.
Do you think he was homesick?
Maybe.
Am I ever homesick? Do I ever long for the presence of my Father?
Over the years, prayer for me has moved (and is moving) from getting things to getting God.
Part of that journey includes dialogue–embracing a relational attitude to prayer. It’s about learning to listen to God, not only in his Word (which is primary), but how to listen to God in stillness.
For me, listening to God in prayer is attending to his presence. It is being still. It is knowing he is present. It is entering into a stillness that is quiet enough to hear his heartbeat and his song. It is where I feel most deeply loved.
Zephaniah 3:17* rises up to spotlight this truth:
“The Lord your God is with you; he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”
Stillness reminds me I occupy a treasured place in the heart of God.
This promise is found in Psalm 46:10a.
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
I can not see God.
I can not hear God.
I can not feel God.
But I can know God.
And in knowing God, he assures me of my identity, directs my footsteps, and shapes my heart’s desires.
* For the warriors among us, visit this verse in the Holman Christian Standard Bible – Zephaniah 3:17.
Fall 2024 Event Dates
Are you tired of being tired? Is your team? Your pastor? Your friends? We have 6 opportunities for you to take part in A Rest That Works this October in Northeast Indiana. Join us! We would love to have you. Events vary in cost depending on the amount of sponsorship we were able to secure.
Friday, October 11 in Ft. Wayne, Indiana
9:00 – 11:15 AM Ministry Event
1:00 – 3:15 PM Community Event
Thursday, October 17 in Albion, Indiana . . . . . Community Event
9:00 – 11:00 AM Community Event
1:30 – 3:30 PM Community Event
Tuesday, October 29 in Ft. Wayne, Indiana . . . . . Community and Ministry Event
9:00 – 11:30 Community Event
1:00 – 3:30 Ministry Event
Learn More and Register here
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Note: This post is Post #16 of our original series on rest and restoration. We are reposting some of our favorite articles because we believe they’re just as important today as ever. We hope you’re challenged to think of rest in a fresh, new way and will invite others to join in.
Brenda Jank and the Run Hard. Rest Well team. are thought leaders in the arena of Restorative Wellness. Find additional resources at www.RunHardRestWell.org. Contact us at: brenda@runhardrestwell.org
Brenda, I enjoy and clean from your posts. This one was especially well said and meaningful. Thank you.
Rhonda – It is a blessing to be on a similar journey with kindred souls.
God’s blessings to you this week!