June 15: Insight Post by Kim Feld
Monday Insight Post
by Kim Feld
One of my favorite experiences at New Hope has been our 24-hour prayer events. We offered a sign-up sheet that allowed individuals to commit to an hour or more of prayer, either alone or with others. These events often served as intentional times of preparation leading up to Easter or other significant occasions. I have stayed overnight at the church during these events and was encouraged to see people arriving even in the middle of the night to spend time in prayer. A deep sense of sacredness seemed to fill the building as people came and went, choosing to spend time with God rather than sleep. After these events, I consistently left with a renewed sense of purpose and the kind of peace that only comes from being in God’s presence.
But I’ve realized that I don’t need to wait for special events like these to experience God’s presence. Establishing a daily rhythm of time alone with God can be just as powerful and prepares my heart, especially when important decisions arise.
People make decisions differently. Some decide quickly; others take a slower, thoughtful approach. Either way, God wants to be involved. Some decisions require more than prayer; sometimes, we might also fast. I don’t know exactly how it all works, but I know denying myself opens me to God’s leading.
Self-sufficiency has been one of the greatest barriers to my spiritual growth. Believing I should handle things on my own can prevent me from seeking God’s guidance. Yet, self-sufficiency is an illusion. If it is true that God controls my next breath, as I believe, then I recognize how dependent I truly am.
Practicing solitude doesn’t guarantee easy answers. Still, it prepares us to align our hearts with God. The choices I make are shaped by the condition of my heart, and solitude offers the space to draw close to God and invite His work within.
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline; don’t sulk under his loving correction. It’s the child he loves that God corrects; a father’s delight is behind all this. Proverbs 3:5-12 (The Message)
Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach
New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
newhope.org