JULY 30, 2024
ON THE PORCH
HUMMINGBIRD PACE
“I can’t handle the hummingbird pace anymore, but I could be a dove.” – I received this text from a precious sister of mine last April.
This morning, while finalizing this devo from my front porch watching the sun rise, God sent a hummingbird to dine on our cannas. By the time I realized what that hum was and got my phone up to take a picture, he was done. He quickly gathered what he wanted then zoomed off to his next task. He moved so quickly my camera couldn’t capture his wings. Because I was still, he felt safe, and I was able to enjoy this Kiss from the King that only God could have given me.
Sometimes a verse jumps off the page while reading the Word of God. This happened Saturday morning while doing my Bible study and reading in John 4. It is the story of the Samaritan woman at the well. I’ve read this story many times, and I’ve always focused on the woman and her interaction with Jesus.
That morning, verse 6 stopped me in my tracks.
**Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as He was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. John 4:6
Now this might not mean much to some, but to one who hardly ever sits down, it got my attention. Jesus, as tired as He was from His journey, sat down by the well. He didn’t lean against it watching out in the distance on alert for danger. He didn’t start looking for a bucket to draw water with. He didn’t walk around it trying to get His preferred number of steps in. HE SAT DOWN.
Verse 8 says His disciples had gone into town to buy food. Every one of them left him sitting there alone. Just Him and God…
There are lots of sermons to be preached on the rest of this story and what follows this verse. It is very rich in content and substance. In fact, this was the first time Jesus revealed who He really was, and to a Gentile woman, no less. But that is for another day.
On this day, I slammed on the brakes right there, and I couldn’t read any further. God’s Word is alive, active, and meets us where we need it. Those ten words touched a place in my heart that was weary and numb.
In that moment, God made it clear that I have a choice. I don’t have to continue to furiously flap my wings and hover from flower to flower just because that’s what I’ve always done, or because that is what I’m expected to do. I can pull back and sit in the tree or on the high wire and sing and worship and yes…rest.
In His kind and gentle way, God reminded me there is a better way.
I have been praying for rest since February of 2014, for over 10 years. I have hand-written notes all over my Bible begging God for rest and to teach me to be still. It seems the harder I try, the worse it gets. Staying busy and “doing” is at the core of my being, hard-wired into my brain, my default setting. Sitting still is next to impossible. Sleep, well, that has been a struggle since 2001. I haven’t taken care of myself the way I should have, and it is glaringly obvious now.
God showed me that I haven’t gotten rest because of my own decisions. I have given God access to every room of my heart except busyness and activity. I’ve made excuses and kept that door locked, with a sign on it that says, “NO ENTRANCE.”
Benny has been asking me to take a break for a year now. A very dear friend has challenged me to step away for 40 Days to be alone with God. Through His Word, through family, friends, songs, and situations lately, He has gotten my attention. It isn’t just a good idea, it is vital for my physical and mental health.
**Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.” Psalm 46:10 MSG
While considering this, God has confirmed His call for me to use the exit ramp of the 6 lane, bumper-to-bumper traffic highway I’ve been racing down for years and sit down.
When processing this idea with a good friend, she said, “God reminded me that I know where the well is.”
I, too, know where the well is, and I’ve been humming by, grabbing a quick drink of nectar to give me a boost and get me through the current situation, then drawing just enough water to get a tiny sip then share with those I love, all the while staying distracted by a million other things, and pressing ahead to the next urgent activity.
I have been keeping pace with the hummingbirds for too long now. Instead of resting in the trees and singing praises to my King, I’ve continued to hum from place to place, always in a hurry, panicked I’d get behind, and only giving Him snippets of worship here and there.
But today that changes. I want to
Sit down,
At the well,
Alone with my Savior.
I want to drink in the Living Water and eat my daily bread in His presence. I don’t just want a quick snack of nectar from one flower, I want a feast to fill my body and soul.
In the next 40 days, I don’t plan on being on my phone or Facebook much. If there is silence On the Porch or the dings are quiet, nothing is wrong. I am sitting with God, hopefully devouring His Word, enjoying His fellowship, sipping the nectar that refreshes my soul, and learning to take care of myself.
This is uncharted territory for me, and to tell the truth, I’m a little nervous and anxious about it. This morning when Benny asked me what I have going today, my heart started racing and I got a pit in my stomach when I answered, “Nothing.” I don’t know what to bring on this journey, and I feel unprepared. I have no map or compass, just an empty backpack for God to place what He wants inside. Even now my mind is trying to race to what I’ll do after posting…the next thing.
So, if I come to mind, please say a quick prayer for me. Pray that I am obedient to His call, that I stay the course, and that I finally heal and rest some. I want to come back from this journey rested, restored, refreshed, and renewed.
LORD God, I thank You for revealing my limits. Thank You for sending that hummingbird this morning as a reminder that I am doing what You are calling me to do. Only You could have sent that kiss. Thank You for a husband who is willing to say and do the hard things if that means taking care of me. I thank You for the beautiful support system You have given me that speaks love and concern into my life. I thank You for those willing to pray on my behalf. Thank You for those who love me and want Your best in my life. Thank You for their willingness to step up, step beside, or step back so this weary soul can sit down and rest. In these next 40 days, give me an obedient heart, and restore, refresh, and renew me as only You can. Give me rest and fill my cup, LORD. Please allow me to trade my hum for Your glory and worship you with a new song. Turn my famine into Your feast. Amen
** “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
YOU CAN REST
**I first heard this song one Sunday morning while cleaning the church. God is so good to meet me where I am and give me what I need.
ON THE PORCH 