I’ve been feeling it again. That low-grade ache of discontentment. That inner restlessness, nagging, gnawing, something softly knocking. That unnamed longing for something more even on the good days when I finally catch my breath, catch up on laundry, or make it to bedtime without being called a mean, mean mommy.
I don’t know why it takes me so long to recognize the source — God’s still small voice, calling yet again to return to Him, spend time with Him.
I’ve been choosing the trap of glowing screens and too many late-night scrolling minutes. Whoa, where did the last hour go? I like to be alone. Alone with my thoughts. Alone in my digital bubble, an insulated reprieve from all the demands and needs. I like to be alone, yet I tether myself to the noise of hundreds of friends I don’t know beyond a screen. Cute cat! Sad story. Look who’s pregnant or moving or getting a promotion!
The evidence of my choice to indulge in digital vegging shows up the next morning in dark under eye circles and two more snooze cycles. It’s a chore to drag myself awake.
I’m too tired and distracted to hear God call: Come to me. Connect with me.
Can you relate? Have been you been there? Are you there today?
Now, it’s not like I don’t read my Bible. It’s not like I don’t pray. I’m good with God. We talk throughout the day. I’m okay. But what if doing enough to spiritually get by isn’t the point?
I’m finally listening to my longing and admitting that there’s something in my lived-out priorities that’s outta whack. My soul hungers for more. And more social media, more sleep, more viral videos, more home organization, more activities or mindless TV aren’t going to cut it. You and I were made for more.
We were cut out for divine connection.
Created for intimacy.
Hand-picked for relationship.
Sculpted for surrender.
Wired for worship.
We’ve all got a God-sized gap that no other gods can fill. We’ve got to recognize the ways we’ve been trying to let them — and stop. Say no to what pulls us away from the Gap-Filler and instead press into Him.
I set my alarm earlier than my comfort says to. I remind my kids about our no TV rule before school and to read in bed if they wake up early (Murphy’s Law says if I get up early, someone else will too!). Time protection in preparation: I decide what I’m going to read, place my journal and Bible on top of my laptop lest I autopilot-forget my purpose and fly right into work. Time protection in expectation.
Before I drift off to sleep I remind myself of what is true:
The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
Psalm 19:7 (NIV)
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.
Psalm 5:3 (NIV)
Inviting God to fill the place in our lives only He’s made for isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula. There’s no right or wrong way to spend time with Jesus. But for me, I’ve found nothing better than to start my day with Him. In God’s Word. At Jesus’s feet. Pen to paper. Recording and remembering. Listening.
He’s never not shown up to meet with me.
The struggles of our lives, the crises, and daily grind are real. The urgent things that demand immediate doing, the desirous things that draw us to their company, the attention-grabbing things that feel in-the-moment important but lack eternal significance — I get it. I get all of it.
But we don’t have to live consumed by the noise that is not His voice.
Before the sun has yet to run its horizon-rising course, I will come. With gunk in my eyes and a stiff morning back, I will come.
When I reach for my alarm, I remind myself that I’m not getting up for Facebook or Instagram or email. As I pull the chain on my stained glass desk lamp, flooding the darkness with light, I remind myself I’m not rising early for productivity, to check more off my list.
I rise for Him.
Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 9:10 (NIV)
We don't have to live consumed by the noise that is not His voice. -@beckykeife: Click To Tweet Leave a Comment
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Becky,
So Murphy’s Law is still in force – If I rise early…so will someone else? LOL. When my kids were younger and this happened, I kindly told them I was having my quiet time with God and reading my Bible so I needed them to read or do some quiet activity. I believe it was good for them to know, by example, that God came first in my life. I’m still an early riser and when there are days that I don’t get my time with God, I can physically feel the pain of missing Him and my days invariably don’t go as well. Not that all days started with the Lord will go swimmingly, but being with Him and in His Word gives me my ammunition for the day should a battle arise. So many times God has given me what I will need to specifically get over or around certain obstacles that the day/life presents. It’s kind of like my time to suit up in the armor He has promised me. We are ALL prone to distraction. No need for a guilt trip, but simply respond to His soft whisper reminding us to Come unto Him… great invitation, Becky!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Becky Keife says
Bev, you’re so right! Our lived-out example to our kids speaks volumes. The other day my eight-year-old came out with his Bible in hand and snuggled right up next to me on the couch. The best. And I love the way you describe suiting in His armor for the day. God is so good to prepare us and equip us with just what we need! So grateful. xx
Darlean Tipke-Kane says
Oh how powerfully delicate your words and God’s words spoke to me
with this writing. Blessings and gratitude.
Becky Keife says
Darlean, so blessed to know this resonated with you. xx
Michele Morin says
So good. Especially the truth that God never fails to keep our appointments.
In the front of my Bible I have written words from Elisabeth Elliot that stop me in my tracks:
“Hold yourself to God’s written word and hold yourself before it. You have His unwavering attention.”
Unimaginable! While I “waver,” he never does.
Becky Keife says
Wow! I’ve never heard that quote before. Love it. Thanks for sharing, Michele!
Beth Williams says
Becky,
This world is so busy & noisy. It clamors for our attention at each turn. The devil is on overtime distracting us with alluring items. We need ammunition for the battle. The best way to get that is to be in the word daily. As soon as possible. The more information/facts we have stored up the better equipped we are to handle His attacks. In the past I was allured by wanting to watch the news & know what’s going on. I felt that nudge & told myself to get in His word first. News will be there later. I find myself more ready for the day’s activities when I do that. The devil prowls around like a lion seek to kill, destroy & devour whom He can. We must be ever vigilant to avoid that. For me just listening to Christian music on the way to work can help. I may notice myself quietly praying for people. Often times I will hear conversations & just start praying for that situation. When my day isn’t going well I have stopped what I’m doing & started rebuking Satan. Using my ammunition stored up I counter all his attacks. Let’s get prepared with plenty of ammo for the fight.
Blessings 🙂
Becky Keife says
Beth, such a good word! I’m with you.
Theresa Boedeker says
Yes, he is always there waiting for me. What a friend he is. He waits for us, never making us wait for him.
Becky Keife says
Amen!
Jen says
Becky,
What a great reminder….we definitely need that quiet time work him as the world is full of noise and busyness.
And yes, Looks like Murphy’s Law is still in effect, lol
May we all wake for him and find that quiet time…I try to do this the first part of my morning. . Although, we are now Empty Nesters, the days my hubby is home often distracts me, almost like one of the kids. Haha
Becky Keife says
Jen, haha, I feel ya when my husband’s home too! 🙂 Thanks for being here. xx
Penny says
Thank-you Becky for touching me not only through your words this morning, but for gently nudging us to quietly spend more time with God’s.
I hope that you all have a blessed day,
Penny
Becky Keife says
Thank you, Penny. It was the nudge I needed too. xx
Stephanie says
Needed this! Thank you for sharing ❤️
Becky Keife says
I’m so glad it was timely for you, Stephanie!
Tammy Gonzalez says
Thank you for this. It’s an echo of what God has been alternately whispering and shouting to me for some time.
Also, for what it’s worth, I almost didn’t read this because of the title. I tend to lean away from articles that cry out that they have the “one thing” I need to know. But then, I did read it, so I guess the title was effective =)
Becky Keife says
Tammy, I’m grateful this post was meaningful to you. And I know what you mean about titles and how fix-it solutions can feel like an attention-grabbing gimmick. But when the “one thing” is God’s Word, I felt pretty safe to proclaim that with full sincerity. Thanks so much for your comment! I’m glad you chose to read this. xx
Kathleen Burkinshaw says
Becky, this post speaks to my heart. I try to escape my pain and may use scrolling therapy on social media,especially when I’m up early because of the pain. However lately it only leaves me exhausted physically and emotionally.So the last few months,I have been using this early morning time to pray, read inspirational posts like yours,and just being with Jesus in the quiet. I also have been writing during this time. Some days I will feel more connected to Him than others,but I always have a few moments when I have felt my soul hugged and that helps me to push through my pain for a little while. I do want to get better at reconnecting myself to this peace throughout the day,because once other issues of the present day needs attending, my soul hugs becomes a distant memory. So, your post inspired me today. Thank you and God Bless ❤
Becky Keife says
Kathleen, I’m so sorry for your pain, but so appreciative of your comment. I love how you point out that we won’t always *feel* the same in our time with the Lord. Some days there is a deep connection to God’s heart and His Word and other days it seems more stuck in my head. But the Bible promises not to return void, so we can trust that our time in Scripture is always meaningful. I’m cheering you on and praying those soul hugs stay strong throughout your day. xx
Kathleen Burkinshaw says
Becky, thank you so much for your kind words and prayers ❤
Cassady Schulte says
This is exactly what I needed to hear today, and I’ll probably re-read it tomorrow. Thank you.
Becky Keife says
That’s awesome, Cassady. Thank you. xx
Irene says
Thank you, Becky! Good reminder to tune out the noise and tune into God’s Word. So many distractions! I’m going to try some of your tactics.
Becky Keife says
Bless you, Irene!
Crystal Storms says
It’s so easy to get distracted by all the noise that we miss His still, small voice. I love this, Becky: “He’s never not shown up to meet with me.” It makes persevering through worth it!
Becky Keife says
Exactly, Crystal! Thanks so much for being here and echoing this truth. I need it too.
Ronja says
Becky, this is such a beautiful post and it spoke right to my heart. Thank you so much for this.
Tonia Gütting says
Beautiful Truth!
Bonnie Gray says
Hi Becky, I wanted to read your words – about what you’ve been hearing on your journey before meeting you finally in person!! So beautiful and encouraging! But, I’ve heard your heart through your words before – so I feel like I know you already and as we shared over seeing each other about our journeys about rest and healing – I already have a kindred spirit and sisterhood in you! I’m moved by your vulnerable words, speaking from a place that is honest and also touched by what God has whispered to you. I can’t wait to finally say hell with a hug in just a little bit at the (in)courage retreat and enjoy your company, as we create some memories this week, friend! 🙂 Thanks for choosing a place where the mountains are and it’s going to be so amazing to walk among the trees on a dirt path together!!! YES!!! with love — kindreds, Bonnie
K Ann Guinn says
Now I see why I was compelled to leave this tab open….over a month ago. This is just what I needed to hear right now.
I also am “good with God” and speak to him all day long. We pray as a family, and I read a devotional almost every morning. But yes, I also get distracted by all of the noise around me. I wonder if many of the things that constantly stress me would pale if I purposely spent more time coming directly to God, not just reading and listening to wonderful truths about him.
I know that guilt is not effective, unless we truly repent and make steps in the right direction. I’m thankful for his faithfulness and understanding, even in my weakness.
I appreciate this vital word of encouragement to run the the “Gap-Filler”. Thanks for sharing.