Those who know me know that I absolutely love nature. It’s one of the many ways I hear from the Lord, rest in his goodness, and find complete solitude. So, it’s no shock that He gave me an amazing word through His beautiful creation.
Picture a waterfall. Not a dainty little guy, but a massive, rushing, tall, intense waterfall. One that’s loud and a bit scary. One that’s so powerful that you question if you should get close, for the sake of your safety.
“This is what I have for you, my child; endless mercies, endless love, endless joy, endless growth. Come and soak.”
“Yes, Papa, I will!”
This is my prayer…constantly. This is where I always want to be. I want to experience more of Him every single moment. I want more!
As life moves and seasons come and go, I’m challenged to make the active choice to stand under the waterfall. It’s a choice that is actually really really hard. Go back to the picture. The waterfall is massive, loud and so powerful. It isn’t this little trickle of a stream that seems harmless. The Lord isn’t asking me to just dip my toe and call it a day. He wants all of me. He wants me to experience more of Him. He wants to answer my prayer because He loves me so much.
BUT…
I need to make the choice to go in, risking my safety and comfort. Yes, it’s going to hurt. Yes, it’ll probably be really cold. There will for sure be tears shed and brokenness felt. Amidst all of that, I know it is so worth it. I know because I’ve been under it for a while. As I boldly swim over and soak at His feet, I am being shaped and molded to look more like my Father, which is all I ever want. Molding and pruning isn’t fun, but it is rewarding. I need to get rid of the things that don’t look like Him; the deep roots of pride, perfectionism, people-pleasing, shame, fear, and fleshly desires. I need to be stripped to the core. Ouch!
I recognize my need for growth and my need for the Father! I want my life to resemble and reflect Christ as I breathe each day. Therefore, I need these seasons of brokenness to show me my need for more of the Father. There’s more to this life than stagnancy and settling. We’re called to thrive, not just survive. He doesn’t want us to merely look at this waterfall from the shore. He wants us to actually experience it! He has so much for us, like a lot, and wants to show us so many amazing things. Sadly, we often miss out on it because we’re scared or insecure or uncomfortable or tired or honestly just stubborn (I’m definitely guilty of this). Our flesh wages war against us all. the. time. and we have to make the active choice to say yes to the Father because He always has good things for us.
This current season with the Lord has been a whirlwind. It’s been a lot harder than I thought. I’ve sat in a lot of brokenness, frustration, and confusion. It’s been hard to choose joy. But, He’s been so sweet to remind me of this picture; of His waterfall. The Lord is showing me that His waters are everflowing. His invitation to come and soak isn’t a one time deal. It’s endless. Wow, thanks God!
Papa, thank you for tough seasons. Thank you for the times I feel like I’m drowning. Thank you for challenging me. Thank you for breaking me. Thank you for answering my prayers. Thank you for reminding me that you’re ever present and love me a whole dang lot.
Standing under the waterfall is where I always want to be!
~A
