I knew for me to respond and say well let’s pray about this would seem to be the appropriate thing to do, but the Holy Spirit's whisper was that she was not in a place to receive what was needed! The Bible says: out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. It was obvious that what her heart had in abundance would also keep her from anything God could bring. She had lost control, assuming it was ever there to the demands of her life. She only had a couple of different responses. Yell louder! Then if nobody would listen, quit! She needed an audit of her heart! This audit would require some disciplines that she had not acquired to this point. 

As I thought about what I was about to tell her, I had this very clear sense this probably would not go well. With a little pressure from God’s Spirit I said, ”I know right now all you can see is what people have and are taking from you, but you have a huge blind spot. You do not see the condition of your heart and that it is NOT THEM that is creating that but it is you!” I asked her, “are you willing to see your own heart!” 

A long story short… She began a journey to get over a condition of wanting people’s approval so badly that she was willing to empty her soul. She learned how to practice some silence and stillness in which God became her absolute safe place from which strength wisdom and clarity became her portion! 

Question: Are you willing to see your own heart?

Meditation: Silence and stillness must be moved from the luxury category into the discipline category. Today try to practice silence as a discipline. Take a few moments before God and start with; God I’m here, I’m just going to be silent for a few minutes before you and I will be still as I do so. I recognize that your presence is with me and that I can be comfortable being silent because you are my safe place!

Scripture:

'O Lord , you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord . You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!'

- Psalms 139:1-6