The Way Maker - Even When You Don’t Feel Him, Worship
Girls, over the last five years, I have experienced God’s love and nearness like never before. This has been the sweetest and best thing. I have begged Him to allow me to remain here forever...feeling Him, His nearness, His presence, but Girls I have not stayed here. I have gone through seasons where I have not felt Him and I have desperately wanted to. I have not felt Him or seen Him at work in my circumstances even though I was crying out to Him to act.
I have learned this is part of our walk with the Lord, as well. We may not always feel His nearness or see Him working, but He is always there and He is always working. Girls, it says in Isaiah that His ways are higher than our ways and His timing is not often our timing. He reminds me of this often right now along with waiting patiently for Him to act.
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts, says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9
“Be still in the presence of the Lord and wait patiently for him to act.” Psalm 37:7
Girls, during these times you may be tempted to stop spending time with the Lord, reading your Bible, going to church, praying, being in Christ-centered community, and worshipping Him. Oh Sweet Girls, don’t do this!
Instead draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. Cling to Jesus. Read His word. Remember His past faithfulness. Thank Him. Pray and talk to Him even more. Reach out to your Christ-centered community and share what’s going on, and girls, never ever stop worshipping Him with your life and your mouth because if we stop, Jesus Himself said that the rocks will cry out.
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” James 4:8
“My soul clings to you; your right hand holds me up.” Psalm 63:8
“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your most wonderful deeds.” Psalm 9:1
Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-19
But Jesus answered, “I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!” Luke 19:40
Girls, it’s hard to worship when you don’t feel God or when really hard things are happening in your life and the lives of those around you. Oh, but Dear Girls, this shows your faith beyond what you can feel or see around you, and it’s our faith that pleases God. Just as my son’s favorite lines from Waymaker by Leeland say, “Even when I don’t see it you're working, even when I don’t feel it you're working. You never stop, you never stop working. You never stop working. WayMaker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the Darkness, My God, that is who you are. That is who you are.”
“Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
“And without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
What if instead girls we worship louder, when we don’t feel Him, hear Him clearly, or see Him at work. Let’s sing even louder even if it’s through tears. We tell our friends and family about His past faithfulness in our lives. We let faith arise and give Him the sacrifice of praise. I believe when we do, He will lift us above our circumstances and we will experience His presence and power like never before. Maybe this is what He is calling the Body of believers to at such a time as this? Let's decide right now to worship our King regardless of how we feel or how things appear because we know our King is in control and on His throne and always worthy of our worship.
“Therefore, by Him, let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name. Hebrews 13:15
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” Psalm 150:6
“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your most wonderful deeds.” Psalm 9:1
Girls, I truly believe the Lord is making a way where there seems to be no way. Believe this beyond what you see and what you feel. Let faith arise! He is our Way Maker!
Questions and Reflection
Right now, wherever you are, I would encourage you to listen to Way Maker by Leeland and worship God!
Consider setting aside a time each day to worship God. Make this a daily rhythm regardless of how you feel.
Take some time to write down the ways you have seen God’s faithfulness, protection, and provision for you and your family this year. Keep this list somewhere you can easily find.