Betsie Ten Boom said, "The center of God's will is our only safety." She was the sister of Corrie ten Boom. They spent much of their lives in concentration camps.
Thomas R Kelly was a Quaker that helped guide others throughout his life during wartime. He said, "Life from the Center is a life of unhurried peace and power. It is simple. It is serene... We need not get frantic. He is at the helm. And when our little day is done and we lie down quietly in peace, for all is well."
Another Kelly quote says, "Life is meant to be lived from a Center, a divine Center, a Life who speaks in us and through us to the world. We have all heard this holy Whisper at times... But too many of us have needed the Voice only at times.... We have not counted this Holy Thing within us to be the most precious thing in the world."
Jean Fleming is an author and inspirational speaker. She says, "The answer for satisfying living for the Christian lies not in organizing managing or controlling life, but in focusing life... Life simplified where there is one CENTER, one reason one motivation one direction and purpose.
The Center, Christ being the Center of our lives. That is hard. So many times I get preoccupied in my days... planning how I will spend my time, organizing the activities, seeking out relationships. In all of this striving I miss the Center- a call to peacefulness, safety, and tranquility.
Yesterday was no different. I had a list of "to dos", honestly 7 things were on my list. I spent time with God first thing- good idea. But then I got news... as it typically happens, this threw off my entire day. All of a sudden I felt lonelieness, fear, and worry. I had taken my eyes off of my Center and placed them on myself and my struggles. So I turned to scripture for help.
Philippians 4:6-7, NIV Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 12:2, ESV Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
2 Corinthians 4:18, NIV So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
What is seen? I only see the here and now. I see my current circumstances. I only see what is happening. What is unseen? God sees the entire picture... from creation to my life, God sees it. He knows how it is going to play out. God's presence is here. God's power is working.
Charlie Hall was interviewed about this song, This is what he said, "It was basically understanding my humanity but still wanting to be a passionate follower of Christ. I was asking Him "Make yourself my Center and then I'm going to keep trying to wrap my life around You. Help me- Be right in the middle of me."
So rather than focusing my eyes on what I see right now, I want to refocus my eyes to the Center, a God who never sleeps, a God who is always guiding my heart, a God who is working all things together for my good. It's not about what I can do for Him, its about Him calling me to himself.
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