This past Sunday at church we sang a song called “Bones” by Hillsong United. I was given the privilege to lead it for our congregation. A year ago I would have never even told you that I led a song for our church, rather, I would have just left it at the fact that we sang and I enjoyed it. However, over the past two or so months the Lord has really been doing a transforming work in my mind and when you see fruit from the transformation and taste a little bit of victory, it’s deeply satisfying. That is, the grace the Lord has poured out on you.
I’ve been discovering that when the Lord calls you to an area in your gifting to serve the body of believers He’s placed you in, timidity in entering into that calling out of fear is simply false pride. The gifts He’s given you are just that, gifts. You did nothing to earn it or even ask for it, so step into it with grace, confidence and a humility asking the Lord to accomplish in the Spirit what only He can. How much do we all miss out on simply because fear is holding us back? I’ll be the first to raise my hand and admit I’m so guilty. Lord, help us. And He does! I’m convinced that when the Lord transforms your thinking, it in turn transforms your serving.
Can anyone say rabbit trail? That’s is absolutely not where I was planning on going when I started writing this post, but it’s certainly what I’ve been challenged with lately so I’ll leave it in there and move on. Grin. (I’m feeling a little all over the place today.)
Originally, what I wanted to share with you these simple lyrics we sang.
Oh Jesus, Alive in me.
Short and sweet, yet simply profound.
Isn’t that what we’re all after? That Jesus would be alive in us each and every day?
That we would be different, think different and act different because today He was alive in us? I don’t know how I can tangibly explain that Jesus makes a difference, but He absolutely does, without a doubt. If scripture tells us that it is “to our advantage” that when Christ went away He would send us our helper, the Holy Spirit (John 16:7), then I want to press into that advantage.
In my obsessive, anxious mind, uttering the words Jesus brings me almost instantaneous peace. Only Jesus can do something like that.
“You can calm the ocean, speak peace into my soul. Take me as I am, awaken my heart to beat again.”
When I feel like my world is spinning out of control, the fact that my name is engraved in the palm of God’s hands is indescribable. Translation: He really does care for me greatly and deeply.
“In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.” Job 12:10
“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.” Isaiah 49:15-16
When someone disappoints me, I’m all the more reminded that Jesus is the ONE person that won’t disappoint me. He’ll never leave me or forsake me. Does that mean things always go the way I wished they would? No. That would be a far cry from reality. But I do know that the things I’ve always hoped for that have eventually let me down, He’s not only come through but exceeded those hopes and dreams.
Yes, Jesus, be alive in me.
I recently told my coworkers that worshiping through singing sets my mind in a posture to receive from the Lord and be content in His love.
I sense His love and his pleasure when I’m singing and worshiping. You might not know it from the outside (much like you might not know when I feel like I’m going crazy from the outside), but the way it brings a calmness and peace to my mind, the joy I feel from worshiping, is almost unmatched. It’s simply where I can feel His presence. And it is good.
I know enough to know that feeling His presence isn’t the basis of our faith, but I can tell you it’s important. When we learn to seek God and find Him in our own intimate way, I know He is pleased as well. I’ve well learned that I don’t get any pleasure out of knowing Christ intimately through the faith of someone else.
There are few things I can do that allow me to surrender my frantic thinking and enjoy the Lord’s presence. Reading a good book allows me to do this as well. It doesn’t mean I never worry again, but it’s in these moments that I can breathe a sure breath and know God really in in control.
I can’t speak for everyone, but I want more of His presence. More of His Spirit. More of His peace. More of His mind.
I don’t know where and when you most sense God’s pleasure and presence.
For some it’s singing.
Reading.
Worshiping.
Running.
Memorizing scripture.
Dancing.
Gardening.
Bible Study.
Whatever it is, wherever it is you feel most at home in the presence of God, I’d encourage you to find it, cultivate and practice it often. Finding Him as our refuge and shelter is of utmost importance.
You can ask my coworkers, I don’t go a day without listening to music while working in the quietness of my own office. And rest assured, nearly the minute I walk away from my desk, I’m either humming or singing something. It’s true. And maybe annoying. But it is for my good.
We know this to be true; the nearness of God IS our GOOD.
Oh Jesus, Alive in me.
Yes and amen.
“But as for me, God’s presence is all I need. I have made the sovereign LORD my shelter, as I declare all the things you have done.” Psalm 73:28 (NET)
“Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!” Psalm 95:2
Woah.
Everything you just said about timidity being false pride was something I’ve been rolling around in my heart for a while…but it was cloudy and I couldn’t articulate it. But girl, you JUST DID and oh, how it speaks to me. I love the ways that God works!
I’ve been reading this blog for a LONG time but havent commented but today I just had to.
Thank you Lindsee.
Hey Lindsee – It may have been a rabbit trail for you, but the opening of your post was just what I needed in order to press on through my fear and writer’s block this morning, so thanks for sharing. Your post reminded me of a book I read a number of years ago, The Love Languages of God, by Dr. Gary Chapman. It was one of those life and game changer reads for me, and I highly recommend it. I hope your day is blessed, and I would welcome and appreciate any prayers as I write a story to tell The Story.
Much Love,
Patti Hayes
Lindsee…Thank you, thank you thank you!! For being transparent, that is where God usually shines the brightest. This week has been a bit of a crossroads for me. Trying to settle my self in the call the lord has placed me in and lean in to him more. Your bunny trail was for me!! It never ceases to amaze me just how faithful our God is. Because of your obedience I am now convinced that when the Lord transforms my thinking, it in turn will transform my serving.
Thank you,
Nantte
Thank you for sharing this. AMEN
Thank you so much for this post, Lindsee. What a great reminder for me to dedicate time and energy to those special ways that help me to feel the presence of God (for me it is also worship through singing.) I, too, want more of His presence. Thank you for this encouragement today!
Singing is wonderful! I love to always have a song in my heart. Truly, I don’t have the gift of singing, but, I do love to “make a joyful noise” to the Lord. 🙂
I see God in everything in Nature! And I feel His presence in worshipping to Him! 🙂
He IS alive and with His Holy Spirit working through me I am alive too!!
Thank you Lindsee for the awesome message! 🙂
Amen! Thank you for this beautiful post today. Your words are breath of fresh air. God is GOOD!
You may have felt that you went on a rabbit trail but it was on that trail that God’s Word found me. I needed to hear about false pride as I am struggling with not moving forward out of fear. So thank you for allowning the Holy Spirit to direct your words.
Amen sister lindsee to worship! There is nothing like daily just god and I driving to work together, playing worship music. I treasure that time that him and I have together daily as his peace, love and joy floods my soul. God thank you, for this opportunity that you giv e me daily♥
So needed to hear that! Just moments before coming to the computer, I was wrestling with something I’ve been asked to do for a women’s meeting on Saturday. I just do not want to do it! After reading this, I realize that it is something God wants me to do and I was letting fear get in the way. I didn’t realize it was fear at first, but that’s what it boils down to. Now I have a new attitude about it and will go at with joy because it will please my Father. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!!
Oh Lindsee! You just said everything I’ve always wanted to say. Thank you. I often tell people that worship/singing is my love language. =)It speaks to my soul like nothing else. It’s there that I feel Jesus and His Presence the most. Can’t beat that! Thank you again!
Amen Lindsee! That’s beautiful; am so grateful to the LORD for
all that HE’s doing through you. You are such a blessing! May His favor
stay upon you & may you continue exalting HIS glorious Name.
Thanks for sharing:)
I have such a hard time understanding myself, I wonder what i need to be doing for God. I think of all the great things that people do and think what can I do. I never think of the simple things, this so spoke to me. I love to sing and yes I feel God so strongly when i’m singing or listening.
I also love what you said about timidity being false pride, puts a whole new light on my life. I’m doing the Gideon Bible Study, already God is speaking and digging about that very thing. This is just an affirmation for me that God is speaking. Thank you so much!
Awesome, well said. I recently started writing again and I feel this is what God wants me to do. It seems so selfish, because I LOVE writing. But I am beginning to see that God put that love of the written word in my heart. So I keep my fingers on the keys and my eyes and heart looking up toward Him.
Love, love, love your rabbit trails.
And though you didn’t ask, I KNOW God’s presence when I am going down my own rabbit trails, sitting at my table with Bible, markers, Zodhiates and a pad of paper.
I feel God near as I sing, too, Lindsee. I love to worship through singing. Also feel Him very close as I’m out in nature, enjoying His beautiful world.
I was blessed with your posting today. Thank you for sharing!
Thx Lindsee! I loved your rabbit trail! I love writing and the way I can sense God’s spirit and understand more of Him thru the written word but sometimes I’m way too concerned with what others will think of me or judge what I’ve written and that is definitely pride at it’s worst!
And I’m a hummer too- lately though, even though I may have totally saturated myself with worship musci, i end up humming some weird combo of Veggie Tales and Taylor Swift as my girls are 2,7, 12 and 14!
Dear Lindsee,
Your words were living water to a discouraged heart. I could just weep..I’ve hit a really rough spot in therapy and everything in me is wanting to run away. Would you mind praying for me that I will have the courage to face the thing I fear the most? When I get some time to myself I will rasie my voice in song, it always lifts the heart..as you have mine today. Thank you.
Lord, I ask right now that you would replace Mary’s discouragement with COURAGE. That you would go before her in whatever it is you’ve called her to do, and grant her a peace that passes all understanding! We love you, Lord. Infuse our hearts and minds with boldness and courage today! Amen!
Thank you Lindsee,
The mountain seems to have gotten ten times steeper since my last reply…His strength, not mine…I’m trying to remember.
“I’ve well learned that I don’t get any pleasure out of knowing Christ intimately through the faith of someone else.”
I love this line. SO true, Lindsee.
for me, it’s playing piano or flute, hiking, running or swimming, sitting in a cemetery, painting, knitting, Bible study, & listening to stories from my mama (she is a missionary in asia)
I’m glad you went on a rabbit trail! It was what I needed to be reminded of today. I’m doing Beth’s Esther study and we met today. As I watched Beth teach on the screen the Holy Spirit nudged me. “Do you see the authority she speaks with?”
I’m teaching this weekend at a seminar, and I know what He’s confronting, this thing in me that wants to be a peer, a friend. Not that there is anything wrong with that. I am no better than anyone else, but He also wants me to stand up in HIS authority and be a leader who speaks with the courage of One walking in the gifts HE gave. See, your bunny trail was just right.
Paula, you go and speak with the authority Christ has given you, Sister. And remember that His word does not return void. I hope your weekend goes so well!
Thanks for this Lindsee; such a timely word for me. 🙂
Lindsee, this is fabulous. These are some great insights that have me feeling inspired and refreshed. Thank you for the verses, too! I might find myself using one of them for my next memory verse.
P.S. It would be so cool for us Siestas to hear some of your worship singing somehow! Just a fun thought.
Lindsee, this is one of the most profound posts you’ve written. And it’s just God’s amazing timing that you wrote it today…when I feel rather knocked about by the battle with my perceived inadequacies. Thanks so much!
Your post touched me, and I’m in tears. Thank you for sharing this today.
Hey Lindsee,
Sunday was AWESOME!!! The worship and message were perfect. The Lord was so present and speaking directly through Vernon. I am thrilled he and Amber are joining our church family. I am also encouraged by YOUR courage to step out in your gifting. Praise God for all HE supplies! Your service ministers to me each Sunday as I think of the time and dedication it takes to lead worship weekly. Good job! Amen & amen!
Blessings,
Candace
Wow. This post really hit home today. My family was just hit by an unexpected medical crisis and we’re still trying to understand the implications for many aspects of our lives. Seeking to cast our cares on him, actively believe Him, and experience His peace. There was so much in this post that I needed to hear.
Thank you.
Thank you for sharing this with us Lindsee!! He is so good and loving!! I love that each of us have ways that draw us closer to Him! Your singing is such a blessing to the church!
Thank you for sharing this post. God used your words to affirm the call He is placing on my life in this season. This past week in Gideon has been so convicting too. Guess I better sit up and take note…God is speaking to me and reaffirming it through many of theses Siesta comments. Our God is an AWESOME God! Music/Singing is my God love language too.
FROG…Fully Rely On God
Sing-cerely, SKay
Lindsee,
Thank you for sharing your heart with us. You encouraged my heart and I think I need to memorize those verses. 🙂
Thank you Lindsee for this post and for the encouragement today! This really touched my heart and soul. Thank you for such a sweet blessing!!
Oh Jesus, Alive in me.
Dear Lindsee,
The flase pride thing resonated with me again! It is this doubting I can really write anything people would wana read!! I took a writer’s course and hear Jenkins tell us how difficult it is to get things publsihed these days and I read guidelines for submitting manuscripts and how to write catchy query letters and I just wana give up.. I forget that God is prompting me to do it. Not going ahead by faith is meaning I can not trust God which should be asurb! Everytime I doubt, that is exactly what I am saying and the pride tells me it won’t be good enuf!! I think I have to write articles or manuscripts that become instant hits and have people banging my door down to hear more from my enlightened soul. I should be more concerned abotu the one person struggling with suicide and depression that I can reach for Chirst!Oh, BTW at this time of year I have my quiet times outside each AM so I can hear the chorus of birds and the rythmic chomping on grass as my horses in a nearby meadow are munching on thier morning meal. Out here on the high plains summer is short so relishinng these noises is a delicacy! I can almost hear God whisper in those sounds!!
Betty M
Lindsey,
Rabbit trails must be inspired by the Holy Spirit as well because that was profound and exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you!
AK
PS my bedtime routine of spraying lavender-vanilla spray didn’t work tonight so I’m up reading, which is my other trick! I don’t comment often so here’s two in one. 🙂
Anna, that made me laugh this morning. I hope you get a good nap today! 🙂
Beautiful and encouraging words! I feel God’s pressure when i run and read the word!!
Oops!!! Meant to write pleasure! Darn predicted text;)
Thank you.
Tera, Gardendale, Al
Psalm 1:1 KJV
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful…
Best.Post.Ever.
God has often been showing me in this season how false humility causes us to steal God’s glory by glorifying our own imperfection and humanity.
It’s such a tricky scheme by which I have frequently been deceived.
Expression breeds transparency, I think. Transparency breeds vulnerability but it also breeds usability. For me it seems that’s where the false humility shows up the most. If I’m honest, I’m often more uncomfortable with being vulnerable than I am with preserving God’s glory, but false humility provides a good smokescreen for that… even to the point of deceiving myself. Unfortunately that smokescreen often suffocates my usability as well.
I could sense the peace of Jesus in your explanation of expression. Lovely post.
Becca, thank you for you comment. Those are some good words, Sister!
Well,
1. I’m so glad you shared the song. I’ve not known about it yet and am jamming out to it now.
2. Uhm. Ditto on the exact same context for false pride. God has been doing a serious work in me and I have finally surrendered to start behaving/acting in an area that I have omitted participation in for so long. Bless me. And I am so grateful for His longsuffering.
3. I wish I could’ve been there to hear you sing 🙂
4. Who knew we were both ministered to so constantly by music. I too have it playing while I do most of my work.
🙂
Shelly, you have to listen to the Live in Miami version. It’s my fav!
Lindsee,
Thank you so much for going down the rabbit trail. It is exactly what I needed to hear. You put to words what I have struggled with for a long time; understanding that our gifts are from God and for God to use for the sake of others. If we are timid or fearful of them how useful are they going to be?
We were just discussing this last night at our small group that is doing the Gideon study with you. My “ministry” happens to Giving. I so often struggle with remembering that. It is never listed with other ministries to get involved in at church or talked about as a ministry. It’s just something we are all supposed to do. But The Lord challenged us to make it more than that by asking that we increase the percentage we give by 1% each year. Often times it has been difficult as we are not monetarily wealthy, but The Lord has ALWAYS provided. He is amazing. I, too, have struggled with “sharing” my gift. I have been thinking, up till now, that God wants to keep this between me and my husband and Himself, but as I read your post I begin to wonder if I am just fearful of sharing. Fearful of how others will see it. But, as you say, I didn’t ask for it and I have done nothing to earn it (no pun intended). I will have to pray and see if it is something God wants me to step into with grace, confidence and humility so that He can accomplish in the Spirit what only He can.
Like you I find that worship is the means through which I feel the Lord’s smile. It exhilarates me and those around me don’t quite understand that. I’m grateful to hear someone else say the same thing. I guess I’m not crazy!
Thanks for your faithfulness to this blog.
WOW Lindsee!
As a Mama of a little leaguer who just got back from a Championship Baseball game last night – you hit this out of the park! What a beautiful love story you’ve shared with us this morning. We can feel how rich our Father’s Love is for us and your love for Him entices us to reach in and take hold of that sweet, tender Fatherly Love! I have to tell you a funny story. I am Mama to 3 precious children. My youngest being 8 months old today! YEAH! Little Levi is our beloved treasure. He’s such a good baby with an incredible disposition and just easy-peasy as far as babies go. Love him so so much! So the other day, or I should say night I was nursing him in the middle of the night. And this sleep deprived Mama was a wee bit sleepy. Actually a lot bit sleepy. So I’m nursing him sometime in the middle of the night in his rocker and low and behold I fell asleep while he clung to me feeding. It wasn’t but just a few moments (I guess 🙂 before I woke up and in a blur thought (where am I?) Then immediately realized I was of course where I always am (with him, often nursing) and that bible verse Isaiah 49 came to my mind: “Can a woman forget her nursing child, …….” In my stupor I laughed inside thinking. “God, now this verse makes sense!!!” I never understood how a mother could possibly forget her nursing baby but I had just done it. I fell asleep! 🙂 Oh! Praise God that He never falls asleep on us. I’m so glad he anointed the writer of Scripture to pen that. I never understood or really took heart that verse until my own weakness set in and realized “I AM that verse!” It just makes me laugh. Thank you Jesus for being so real to us to the bone and being ALIVE in me! Lindsee, you are a wonderful singer and a wonderful writer. Bless you 🙂
Cindy, thanks for sharing that sweet story with me. Keep on keepin’ on! Blessings to you!
This made me “amen” at my desk, in my office, kinda loud. It’s one of those blogs that hits me so deep in my heart I whip out my smart phone and text the URL to people I love, telling them it’s a “must read.” Then I post the link to Facebook. I know, maybe overkill. However, Jesus is amazing and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to worship Him. Also, this hit me so deep in the heart. Thank you for this. Beautiful.
Lindsee, I loved the worship on Sunday and the Spirit led me to speak to you so I got to meet you up close and personal. My gift is encouragement and I can tell you, sweet one, that you are a blessing to that worship team. Keep on singing and humming all you want because I believe our BIG God is sitting on the throne with a great smile!!
Barbara, it was so wonderful meeting you and putting a face with a name. Thank you for your encouraging words, they do mean so much! Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Your “rabbit trail” was for me. Thanks for being led by the Spirit – and following Him! I so needed to hear that today. Seriously.
Lindsey,
Your rabbit trail was no mistake! My joy and worship to God comes through playing the piano. Two years ago, my husband and I felt God leading us to a new church family. Because of the move, I have not been able to play the piano as much as I would like. Please pray that strong holds would be broken and I would have the freedom to worship God in the way He would have me to.
Such a great post! Early on in my Christian walk I thought I had to worship God the same way all my friends did; whether it was reading, singing, praying etc., that’s what I did. Then when that didn’t work I done all of them together. What I understand now is that God made us all different so we are all going to worship different. No one way is right for everyone. I love the Word of God. Studying, reading and Scripture memory work best for me. I pray that everyone finds their “worship place”
Blessings to you Lindsee:)
Thank you, Lindsee, for this post.
It may be my favorite from you thus far. (The vornado fan / sleeping ritual takes it’s place at #2!)
This was a huge encouragement to me and I went and found the song Bones on iTunes. Beautiful.
Oh, dear Jesus, be alive in me today. I need you.
Thank you Lindsee.
As way of confession: (and I will try to be succinct)
I have been feeling spiritually dry lately. This dry season has been going on for a while now. My tendency to remedy this is to revert back to spiritual disciplines (hey, nothing wrong with that) but in a way that becomes legalistic. Which only ends up leaving me feeling dry, so I pursue disciplines, which turns legalistic which leaves me feeling dry……a vicious circle.
I feel like my prayers are bouncing off the walls.
The Word isn’t a fresh as it once was to me.
God feels distant.
“This is my prayer in the desert, when all that’s within me feels dry…..”
My background is very (I hate to use this word) conservative. My faith was very law-following, rule-keeping, good-works driven. Several years ago my minister husband went through such a horrific experience we are still not quite healed from it. Getting there, though. We have followed the Lord’s leading to a new church, and it’s been healthy, very Christ-focused. There is certainly fallout though, family members and former church members are raising eyebrows. One even told us we are going to hell. That’s been hard.
Maybe God is asking to do a new thing in me. “New wine doesn’t go in old wineskins” right? Maybe the old paths I have followed are simply leading me in that vicious circle….maybe God is asking me to follow Him on this new journey, in a new place of worship, to experience newness all the way around. So I can be new.
Your post is encouraging me to look at things a bit different today. Maybe this desert season is almost over.
Lord, bring the rain. I am so thirsty for You.