I could never write Cliff Notes. Remember those shorty notes that made the story more concise? What are they called now, Spark Notes? I've always had a gift for making things bigger, than necessary. I am, after all, an eighty's girl from Texas. I had big hair and a giant boom box with, like, twelve buttons. My transportation growing up consisted of vans, town cars and suburbans....(big family).
Growing up in a slightly large family, there were, and still are two tactics that were necessary to be heard. You either had to say what you needed to say:
- Very loud
- Or over and over
I've been practicing option 2 this morning. I've been repeating (in my head) some food for thought that came to mind this morning. I'm feeling quite odd at my repetition though, because I'm only talking to myself and I heard myself the first time.
So I I'll share my hammering thought and it's big implications, just once, hoping you can relate.
There's not much point in us talking about God if we're not talking enough, to God.
This is my personal conviction for today, though I fail enough other days at spending adequate time with God. It's easy to talk about him all the time. I'm surrounded by a great group of witnesses and I have this platform, an iPad with happy keys, to say whatever I want to whomever I want. God is good and I'll talk about him.
Obviously, there's nothing wrong with talking about God all the time. But the truth is, God would probably prefer we talk to Him, more than we talk about him:
- Because he likes spending time with us
Take me away with you – let us hurry! Let the king bring me into his chambers. We rejoice and delight in you; we will praise your love more than wine. How right they are to adore you! Song of Solomon 1:4
- Because, if you know the same kind of people I do (people dealing with heartache and struggle), you'll be faced with some tough questions (about him)
...in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15
- It's important that we accurately portray him (which can only be accomplished through knowing him personally-and knowing him well)
What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops. Matthew 10:27
...we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. 2 Corinthians 5:20
So here's my prayer.
Dear God,
Help us to stop putting the cart before the horse. We pray we'll stop waking up crazy, trying to drive the cart without the horse. Help us to be able to speak of your love honestly because we've spent intimate time with you. Help us to remember that when we pray more, we speak more with our lives and and less with words. Help us to say truly, and with experience (not as a resounding gong)
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
Amen.