Hey friends! It's been some time since I have written anything here and I hope to begin blogging again regularly. I don't know where life finds you at the moment but I pray that wherever you are and whatever season you are in currently this message blesses and encourages you.
I want to look at the topic of peace and direction as it relates to our walk with God for this post. I'm interested in this because it's been a constant theme in my life as of late. Or rather a test, not just a theme. And one I have been taking and re-taking over and over again, a hundred times it seems. While I won't say that I have aced the test, I have learned a great deal about what it means to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
During my lesson-learning, I remember a time where I was crying out to God for wisdom and direction. On my own, it wasn't clear which way to go, which decision to make, which opportunity to pursue. And yet each time I tried to hear anything from the Lord, all my heart could pick up was His voice speaking to my heart these words: "I love you." It is beautiful to hear God's still, small voice speak these words to you. But I wanted more. I was hoping for something like, "Colleen, you should do this..." or "Pursue this opportunity" or even "Wait on Me." But all I heard during that time was God's constant affirmation of His deep love for me.
I was craving something specific and spelled-out. I wanted answers and solutions. In reality, I wanted the path more than the journey. And on that path, quite a ways down, I realized that what I truly need to hear from God was His love first and foremost and that this will always be true. I need His guidance, His correction, His peace - but above all of this, I need to hear that He loves me. I was looking for a quick reply for one season of my life and God was teaching me how to follow Him my whole life. Because when you abide in the love of Jesus, His love will become your compass. And you won't need to keep asking for direction because His love makes everything clear. You live differently when you know that God loves you. You don't settle or make decisions out of fear or your own wisdom. You don't look at your life as some puzzle to be solved, but a relationship to be lived with Him. And out of that relationship with Christ, you will know what to do.
If you are seeking direction right now in your life, I challenge you to abide in His love. Don't push past it to get to the other side and don't discount it. Abide in God's infinite love for you by soaking your mind and heart in the Truth of God's Word. Peace is the fruit of a close relationship with the Lord and His peace brings clarity, direction, and vision. I pray God continues to reveal His love to your listening heart for His glory, your good, and to bless this world. He's always doing something in your life, preparing you for a season ahead, healing broken pieces, leading us to His very best - Himself. As you journey ahead with all of the dreams He has given you using all the gifts He has given you to reach all the people He wants you to as you achieve all that He has purposed for you - don't ever lose sight of the beauty, mystery, deep joy of what truly matters: He loves you! Knowledge of His love compels our hearts to overflow with love for Him in return. We love because He first loved us.
Relationship with God is life's greatest joy! Exchange it for nothing and never sacrifice your closeness with Him for anything. Be okay with the unanswered questions and the chapters He writes. Let Him have His way in your life and teach you what your heart desperately needs to learn even if the lessons come way of humility, trials, and things you didn't plan. You will thank Him for every way He shapes your heart and life. Let Him have His way and His will in your life. It is the absolute best for you always. Open your heart to all He wants to speak to you and most of all, open your heart to His love.