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I just returned from a women’s retreat with my church. We learned about stillness, about setting apart time to just “be” with God. In the meeting room, a giant labyrinth was laid out and each woman was encouraged to find a time during the weekend to walk it.
I hadn’t walked a labyrinth since the year before and I was anxious to take my turn. I wasn’t sure what to expect and I didn’t know what to take in. What did I want to take before God? What did I want to ask or discuss? As I walked up to enter the labyrinth, I felt a need to pause and step away. I asked God what He wanted to discuss. I had two things weighing deep on my heart – some current struggles and some questions of ‘what next’ for the journey God’s taking me on.
God’s got this. What do you need to release – surrender – to God?
God reminded me that He’s got this. He’s got my current struggle handled. He’s all over that and He’s going to be by my side every step of the way. What He really wanted to discuss while I walked the labyrinth was my future. He wanted me to keep my eyes fixed forward and looking out, focused on where He’s taking me. He wanted me to see how He is in control (if only I’ll surrender my own attempts).
God has you encircled in His loving arms, no matter how winding or lost your journey feels.
The labyrinth is contained within a circle, a single winding path to the center and back. It can feel like you’re lost and wandering as you walk, as if you’ve gotten off track and not sure how to get to the center or how to get out.
The path takes you at times closer to the center and other times closer to the edge, so much a mirror for the ebbs and flows of our own faith.
The path may be winding and unclear, there will be starts and stops, times of finding a pace and settling into a comfortable stride, times of slowing down with unsure footing and taking a turn.
If you are encouraged through music, please give this one a listen: “Love is a Circle,” by Peggy Brown. I first learned this song as a teenager when Peggy was worship leader at a youth conference and she taught us this song.
God’s in your past, your present, and your future.
For me, this weekend, God wanted to focus on the future – but remember He’s in your past, He’s in your present, and He’s in your future. The Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. He already knows your story and has a great plan for you. He is there to work through whichever part needs Him most – to bring healing, comfort, strength, direction, encouragement, and guidance.
I was reminded this weekend that life is a journey – and not often an easy one. Yet, the road becomes easier to travel when we take time to listen to God and allow Him to strengthen and equip us for the next step. When we take time to sit with God, be still with God, just “be” with God – He can renew us, refresh us, restore our faith, and reenergize us to take the next step.
You don’t have to walk the labyrinth to hear God speak to your heart. There are many ways to be still with God, to set apart time to just listen and be in conversation with God (many are discussed in the Pray Deep series). Today I encourage each of you to spend some time listening to God. Release the things weighing heavy on your heart to Him and know that God’s got this. Be still and know that He is God. Trust Him and see what He can do in your life.
“This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow and the Lord will be with you.'” (2 Chronicles 20:15-17)
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Karen Brown says
I love this message! And the labyrinth image is perfect for our walk with the Lord. So often we believe that it’s about the destination or our location on the path… when really it’s about the journey. We struggle to move towards God, but He has already moved toward us and entered into our path. Thanks for sharing our reflections from your retreat. It sounds like you and the Lord had a great time. Blessings to you!
Kathryn says
I loved noticing how no matter how lost I was in the path, I was always in the circle. Even when I’ve wandered from God, He’s still been right there with me.
Kelly Balarie says
Isn’t it just amazing what God reveals to us when we actually take a minute to listen? It’s like he speaks right into our dry souls pumping gallons of nourishing water right in. You bringing me to this place of remembrance that inspires my heart. Cheering you on from the #RaRalinkup on Purposeful Faith.
Kathryn says
So many reminders of that over the weekend. He can tell us so much if we’ll only listen.
samanthalandrus says
Taking the time to be still with him. I have to admit the difficulty in that. Just to sit, focus and be. I’m so glad you were afforded that opportunity! Thank you!
Kathryn says
I have learned so much from learning to just “be” with God – and how stillness helps grow our relationship with God.
Holly Barrett says
I love a prayer labyrinth. We have one on our campus and maybe I need to go and spend some time there! Great post, Kathryn!
Kathryn says
The labyrinth is such a powerful way to pray – and listen to God. I saw so many women moved by the experience. With one so close, you should take advantage!
Sarah Knepper says
What a good reminder to let God be God. He will have it all under control. Your neighbor at #TestimonyTuesday
betsydecruz says
Oh I just loved this title, that God has me encircled in his arms. My path is unclear after August since we’re planning a 9 month furlough stateside and there are many unknowns. How wonderful to remember that God is “all over it” as you say!
Kathryn says
God is ‘all over’ your future – and I bet He has great things planned for your furlough. I think you said you might be near Dallas – maybe we can meet sometime while you’re in the states 🙂
Ronja says
What a great, encouraging message here, Kathryn! There are things that are weighing my heart right now, and this is the message I so needed to hear. There is so much comfort in knowing that God’s got this; that He will make a way this time, too. I may not know which way to turn but I can trust that God will be there to guide me to the right way. Thank you for sharing this, Kathryn! Blessings!
Kathryn says
God’s got this – whatever it is you’re facing. Keep taking baby steps forward and trust that He’s placing your feet where they need to go. At the right time, He’ll shine a light on the path for you.
sarahgirl3 says
“Release the things weighing heavy on your heart to Him and know that God’s got this.” Love this! Why do I still think I have to do things on my own?
Kathryn says
Isn’t that the crazy part? Why do we keep trying to make our own way and our own solutions? I keeping thinking I’ll learn one of these days, but instead I have to keep re-learning this same lesson 🙂
Kelley says
Such a JOY to share the weekend with you! I continue to hear from ladies who heard God (some for the first time) this weekend when they took the time to just BE with God. We were most certainly encircled in His arms. Love!
Kathryn says
JOY – yes! That word sums up the weekend – such a joy to serve with you, too, and to spend time with everyone. Amazing to see (so visibly) God moving throughout the room, touching each of the women.
Michele Morin says
A prayer labyrinth! What a great idea and what an instructive image for our journey with God. Thanks so much for sharing this today at the Weekend Brew!
Kathryn says
I’ve come to love the labyrinth – even will sometimes do a table-top version for my morning prayer. It’s a great way to walk with God and focus on listening to Him.
Michele Morin says
I’d love to hear more about your table-top version.
Kathryn says
I just have a print-out of the classic labyrinth from this site: //labyrinthsociety.org/download-a-labyrinth We printed on 11×17 paper (and then cut to a square) so it’s big enough to trace with your finger. We’ve used this paper version at a couple of women’s events and I’ve seen some trace the path with a pen or crayon, some color in the path with doodles or coloring, others just trace with their fingers. It gives you an option to experience the labyrinth, even when you’re not near a full-size one. a “virtual walk”
betsydecruz says
I read this post earlier this morning, but had no time to comment, Kathryn. Your posts always encourage me to seek more of God, to hear His voice more closely. How wonderful to know today that I’m encircled in God’s arms!
betsydecruz says
How funny, Kathryn. I’m realizing now that I DID already comment on this post. (Well, my mind is shot, but God still has his arms circled around me! ha ha ha!) Have a good one.
Kathryn says
Too funny! Thanks for visiting and commenting (multiple times!) 🙂 Always love to see your smiling face.
Mary Geisen says
I am so intrigued by this idea of walking a labyrinth and I know you spoke about it during your series on prayers. Life is a journey and God does walk with us but we can make it so much easier on ourselves if we just listen to God as we begin. Blessed you shared this at The Weekend Brew. Good to see you since I haven’t run into you recently. Hope you are doing well.
Kathryn says
Between allergies and preparing for a retreat I helped lead last weekend, I haven’t had much time for writing – but glad to be getting back! I’ve found the labyrinth to be a powerful way to experience God and understand better the path we’re on.
Arabah Joy says
So, so true. God’s got this, even in those twists and turns that seem to take you further away from Him. What an important truth to be grounded in! Thanks for linking at Grace and Truth. You are a blessing 🙂