The Three-Ring Circus

When my children were little, I developed (as I’m sure most mothers do) a knack for tuning out the distraction of the sweet, shrill little voices and the physical exuberance of their boundless energy when I needed to focus on something important. I could focus my mind into the details of what I was working on despite the three-ring circus currently performing in my living room. It wasn’t easy, I’ll admit. But the more I did it, the more adept I became at “tuning out” the unnecessary and concentrating on the task at hand.

As we prepare to enter into the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting (January 8-28), I believe that is exactly what God is calling us to do: tune out the three-ring circus that is going on in the world and focus solely on HIM. The world, with all of its shrill screeching and boundless activity, seems to demand our constant interaction much as a toddler demanding his/her parent’s constant and undivided attention. It can be exhausting physically, mentally, and spiritually. In the same way that parents have to constantly remind their children (and sometimes themselves) of who is in charge of the household, we should take these next twenty-one days to refocus and remind ourselves who is really at the helm.

During my time of scripture reading and meditation, I felt God calling me to do just that; tune out the world and come away to a safe and sacred place where He will remind me of who’s in charge.

I wanted to share what I sensed God saying in my Lectio Divina Meditation on Psalm 27. May it bless you as you enter this sacred time of prayer and fasting.

For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. Psalm 27:5

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Psalm 27:14

Remove yourself from the chaos and the noise. Come to the shelter of My sacred tent and the safety of My dwelling. Come up to the high place, the rock upon which I will set you.

Prepare:

• Recognize my position as God.

• Position yourself.

• Do not fear but seek and wait.

Take a Five Minute Walk

Take a few quiet moments to read through Psalm 27, and then go for a walk with God. Listen for His voice as you ask Him to prepare your heart to enter the 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting embracing the truth, wisdom, and instruction found in this precious part of scripture.