Sharpened Together - Week 18

Key Scripture: 

Be still, and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

As a dad of four boys, life in our home is full. Between work, family, church, and everything else, I found myself carrying more than I could manage.

At work, I became the counsellor for colleagues facing change and uncertainty.

In my extended family, I was the organiser and problem solver.

At home, I wanted to be the best husband and father I could be.

I even tried to add study to an already crowded schedule.

I kept giving to everyone else until I had nothing left. Eventually, my body forced me to rest. My mind told me to slow down. Most importantly, God was calling me to be still. I could not hear His voice because life had become too loud.

It all came to a head when I became physically and mentally exhausted. After talking with my wife and a close mate, I realised I had not lost God. I had simply become too busy to listen. Looking back, I can see He had been speaking all along, calling me to slow down, listen, and simplify my life.

Jesus modelled this perfectly. Despite the demands on Him, He regularly withdrew to spend time alone with His Father. “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35 NIV)

As men, we often fill our calendars with good things, but not all good things are God things.

I am slowly getting back on track, not by doing more, but by carrying only what God has called me to carry and listening to Him along the way.

Sometimes the greatest step forward is slowing down long enough to hear the One who has been speaking all along.

Reflection 
- What am I carrying that God never asked me to carry?
- What can I remove from my life to make more room for God?
- Am I making time to be still and hear His voice?