Resting

This past week I have been making it priority to find rest in the Lord. I love to worship the Lord. It is a passion of mine that I have had since I was 12 years old. It was at that age (8 years ago), I knew the Lord was training me to be a worshiper. We are all to worship, and give Him praise for what He is doing in our lives. I find comfort in knowing that even when I don't see all the answers in front of me, God is in control. I love knowing that this little world we live in is nothing compared to all that goes on in the Heavenly realm. I love this verse, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Eph. 6:12). I love it because it signifies something so much greater than ourselves. So much greater than our everyday work lives, our school life, our church life. It shows me that we live in a sort of matrix world. Where adventure and excitement occurs. Where warriors of God and princesses of the King live. Where the Lord is watching over us all the time, and although tough situations can throw us for a loop, the TRUTH is that He never leaves our side. The TRUTH is that He loves us!

I've switched up a portion of my worship routine at church even. I remember how it felt to lead worship and see some sitting down reading a book, or staring at the church bulletin (yes, we're not oblivious) and I remember feeling as if I had failed at leading the people of God into the heart of worship. I wrapped my mind around routine; Stand up, raise your hands, love the Lord your God. But it became just that, routine. Even as I stand in the crowd. Don't get me wrong, when I stand and raise my hands and sing with all of my might, I most definitely am praising the most high King with ALL my energy, but sometimes I think God invites us into His presence to sit and become refreshed and renewed so that we can impart peace and comfort to others. Agree? Last Wednesday night, during the last worship song, I sat down in my chair, leaned my head back, closed my eyes, and sang to the Lord from my heart of hearts. And what a beautiful picture the Spirit painted in my heart of the Lord. He is so worthy to be praised, Amen? I'm sure I looked odd to those around me.

During my continued time of rest, God has been restoring my heart. Building me to be a Warrior Princess, strong and elegant. Able to fight and able to heal by His power. Filling me with hope for the future. Filling me with a desire to restore broken hearts. Preparing me to heal using prayer and medicine. Pouring out a favor so sweet I can taste it on my lips. Training me, using me, loving me. And all the glory goes to Him.

I will overcome this world because I have the Overcomer living in my heart. I will defeat the darkness because I have the Light to shine radiantly from my face. I will defeat my enemy because I have donned the full armor of God. I will live because He came so that I may have life more abundant. I will fight for what He wants until the end of my day. I will rise up. I will.

¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
¹¹Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
¹²For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
¹³Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
¹⁴Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
¹⁵and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
¹⁶In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
¹⁷Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
¹⁸And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

¹⁹Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,
²⁰for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

(Ephesians 6)