There are moments in life when it is necessary to “circle the wagons”.
Do you know what this means?
When the pioneers set out to discover new land, they were most often in large wagon trains. When those wagon trains would stop for a rest or for the night, they would make a circle. This created protection for the group. Protection from predators. Protection from thieves. It made a safe space for the children to play and the mommas to prepare dinner, while the men could rest after the long day of travel.
In a different way, we still do this. Our family has been in a season of circling our wagons. We’ve pulled back from most distractions. We recently transitioned into homeschooling and started having home church again. When we travel to my parents, we go to church at a small local church that we absolutely love.
The word I had been hearing from God for months before these transitions was, “Small”.
The world is seemingly obsessed with being famous and being an influencer. But how can we apart from God? I don’t follow God so I will gain influence on the earth. I follow Him because I am in love with Him. There’s nothing I want more than to be in Heaven. God has been taking away all distractions and false pretense and restoring me to myself, and my family to ourselves and refocusing us on what matters most. Him. He alone is where our focus should lie.
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, my God. Psalm 42:1
Take a moment today and close your eyes. Focus your mind and heart on Jesus. Can you see Him? Do you feel His delight over you? Can you feel His peace? He is the Prince of Peace. Invite Him into today. As you circle your wagons, ask Him to be in the center. As you draw your focus to a smaller scope, ask Him to simplify your life. What should you release? What should you hold dear? What should you press into more intensely?
Oh Jesus, be the center.
I am the Vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 5:15
God, I relinquish control to You. You alone know my heart and the path that I should take. Help me to be unafraid of being different. Help me to resist simply following the flow of the world around me. I long to be ever mindful of where You are and what You are doing. I am okay with being different. I know You’ve made me to be unique. If that means I travel alone more often than others, then I accept that. Draw me further into the secret place and hold me close. I only want more of You. Let the desires and expectations of the world fall away and lead me in paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake. I belong to You and none other. I willingly give all my days to You and Your plans. May my life serve to even slightly advance the Kingdom of Heaven. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
365 Days in the Presence 