my 7th year with God . . .

The 7th year.

It already means so very much to me, this intentional 52-week journey I’m taking with Alicia Chole as my mentor. I’m not always able or willing to put words to this adventure which (in a short time) has become so very precious to me—my season of rest with God. Holy ground; sacred stirrings; truth revealed, in this . . .

My 7th year.

Why has it taken me so long to arrive here? To give my soul room enough for pause and reflection and to allow all that has been my journey up to this point and all that will be my story in coming days to merge as one at this place, this field—this deliberate rest where I can finally begin to see, to breathe, to be? Why, indeed!

This is a time of trust for me, not that all of my other times didn’t qualify. But, perhaps, more than all of those past seasons of faith, this is the one time when I might be able to trust fully in the unseen hands and plans of the Father. To expect him for the seeds not yet planted and the harvest not yet sown, believing that they are there, simmering in the heart of God waiting, waiting, waiting . . .

With the 7th year.

God waiting with me, not apart from me. And therein, the soil of my soul is tilled with possibility. What might be birthed from what has been? This is a worthy pondering, one that I’m able to sit with as I give myself permission to live with God’s 7th year. When we give the 7th year its due, we receive its intended witness. Until then, we’re just playing games with God’s instructions.

“The Lord said to Moses on Mount Sinai, … ‘When you enter the land I am going to give you, the land itself must observe a sabbath to the Lord. For six years sow your fields, and for six year prune your vineyards and gather their crops. But in the seventh year the land is to have a Sabbath of rest, a Sabbath to the Lord. Do not sow your fields or prune your vineyards.’”(Lev. 25:1-4)

As I look upon the seemingly barren landscape in front me and as I consider the overly cluttered field behind me, I cannot help but wonder what will grow here in this next year as I become more committed, more intentional about who gets to walk upon this sacred ground and what is planted therein.

I can make that choice. I get to choose who and what has access to this little patch of land beneath my heart.

God, help me to make wise choices. God, keep me from over-cluttering. God, uproot the unlovely, the brokenness, and the thorns. God, refresh this heartland with the water of your Word and with the tears of your mercy. God, open up my eyes to see what you see, and blind my eyes to that which is better left hidden. God, throw out your grace before me; blanket this barren field with the seeds of your eternal love so that everywhere I step, every move I make is immersed in your heavenly devotion toward me. God, enable me to take hold of that which I’ve yet to grasp, and strengthen my resolve for the hard work of rest.

The 7th year.

My 7th year with God.

It’s going to be something. It’s already been something. And to think, I have eleven months to go. What might God do with my next eleven months? I haven’t a clue, but I’m ready to rest my way to them and through them. Indeed, it’s going to be something! As always . . .

Peace for the journey,

PS: If you’d like to learn more about how you might be a part of the 7th Year – 52 week e-journey, click here. Your 52 week journey can begin at any time during the year. Why not consider grabbing a few friends and walking it out together? In addition to the 7th year, I’m also participating in Alicia’s Leadership Investment Intensive/Mentoring. You can find out about it by clicking here!