Bended Knees in a Busy World
By Beth Sebek

As pastors' wives, we are all in different seasons and places in our lives. But some things we have in common. One is a love for Jesus, and second, we can all get very busy with our lives. (I'm sure there are many more...)

Sometimes, it seems the Lord has us in a slow down, clear the decks (I want all of your attention) kind of place. Then other times, we are stepping into more than we planned, yet the Lord seems to be leading this and saying, "I'll give the grace." I suspect we have all experienced both of these at different times.

Lately, for me, it seems that it's the second place. In either place, it requires us to focus on Him in the midst and take hold of His grace. When things get multiplied in many levels in my life, it is easy to get anxious, worry about little things, and busy God right out of my schedule.

It's easy to forget and not have peace or a right perspective. I need to take time to "See the Lord." Not just a quiet time, which is good, but taking the time to see Him.
It reminds me of my kids when they were younger. Often some would be involved in an activity, yet when they saw me sometimes they would stop, run to my side, and hold my hand for a moment. They would lean their head against my side, rest, and smile at me.
They seemed to calm as I smiled at them, then off they would go. It was a moment of re-setting and drawing strength.

In the same way, the busier the times get, I find that I need this same experience with the Lord. Do we have to be on our knees? Isn't God always with us as I do my work or run my errands? Absolutely, but I find that when I bend my knees, something happens to my heart. It bends too. I see that He is God and I am not. I see the cross and God's glory. There is a re-setting of heart and drawing strength.

Today I was reading Ezekiel and was just overcome, weeping with his vision of God and His glory.

Ch. 1:22- Spread out above the heads of the living creatures was what looked like an expanse, sparkling like ice, and awesome.
Under the expanse their wings were stretched out one toward the other, and each had two wings covering its body.
When the creatures moved, I heard the sound of their wings, like the roar of rushing waters, like the voice of the Almighty, like the tumult of an army. When they stood still, they lowered their wings.

Ch.1:25-28-Then there came a voice from above the expanse over their heads (cherubim) was what looked like a throne of sapphire, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking...

When I see Him, I see me in comparison and am overcome with my fleshly ways. Oh, how can you love me, so unworthy of Your grace, my Lord? It is just incomprehensible to my finite mind. Who am I? And yet the unbelievable is that He delights in me and dearly loves me. I am free and have intimacy with Him because of Jesus and the cross!

Bending my knees brings Heaven into view, and helps me see things here through God's throne and cross. As I see through His view, He fills me with His strength for another day to seek to be His hands and feet.

As pastor's wives around the world, loving Jesus and serving Him, may we have knees that bend easily, and often, to see and hear from Him. Then, stand in His strength, refreshed for another day.

These words came to mind:

On Bended Knees

Lord, it's been awhile now,
Busy thoughts can fill my days.
How can I let this life overtake me?
Bring me back to my knees with You...

A lot of good things call my name,
"Yes, I'll be right there," I say.
Just click the send button one more mail.
Bring me back to see freshly with You....

The to-do list is getting long now,
Still, the work, it will get done.
Lord, I need a resetting of my heart here,
Bring me back to be still with You...

Lift my eyes now to Heaven above,
See how Glorious You are!!
Know my life is but a moment...
Bring me back to see here thru You...

I could blink my eyes again,
And in Heaven we would be...
I'll stand before Your throne...Breathe Your air...
Oh, bring me back here now, to my knees with You!

Beth Sebek

"Be still; in that focus, all else comes into focus."
Prayer : Does it Make Any Difference? Phillip Yancey

Beth Sebek
Oakridge Community Church
Maryland

REMINDER: Please pray for the upcoming Faithwalkers conferences (Dec. 27-30) in Missouri and North Carolina. You can register through December 21st at www.faithwalkersonline.net.