WALKING AND KEEPING COMPANY

Walking and Keeping Company

by Cherry Warrick of Pursuing Heart (reprinted with permission)

Sometimes I get a bit hung up with the word “pray”. It somehow brings thoughts of something I need to “do” into my mind, and I can feel guilty for not spending more time “praying”. Or discouraged that my requests have not been granted. And at times like these, I need to ask God to remind me of what praying really is.

And I have been reminded of some words that free my mind, and tell me in a language that speaks to my heart, of what prayer is.

“Come to Me. Get away with Me and you’ll recover your life. Walk with Me and work with Me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me, and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly” (Matthew 11:28-30 The Message).

Walking with, keeping company with – the words that give clarity. The focus is not on my asking and requesting things, but the focus is on the keeping company with, on my sharing what is on my heart. And listening to what is on His heart. And the sharing of words of love, His towards me, and mine towards Him. Just as in my relationship with my husband, or another family member or close friend.

When my focus becomes misplaced, when all my energy is spent on wishing for the thing I am “praying” about and desiring, then I find myself in an unsettled place. But by using my energies to keep in step with Him, communicating with Him all through my days, I find myself living freely and lightly, even in the midst of trials and hard times.

Prayer:

Loving Lord, thank You for these words as I walk along the path with You – calling me (again) to focus first of all on keeping company with You, sharing my heart with You, and listening to Yours. And in the midst of this keeping company, and this walking together, I can live freely and lightly as I watch You at work.

Cherry Warrick

Always learning more of God’s unending grace, mercy, and love through the joys and trials of this life. Blessed beyond measure to share my days with my husband, and to be the mom of six (grown) children, and grama to nine sweet grandkids (with one more on the way). And desiring to follow Jesus and reflect His love and grace. Cherry can be found at Pursuing Heart.

Facebooktwitterpinterestlinkedinmail
%d