Tarry

Tarry

Today is day 2 of our fast and we're continuing our theme of IMPACT. 

In order to have impact we must learn to tarry. Matthew 26: 38 reads "then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me." The Hebrew word for tarry is meno. According to blue letter bible meno means to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy), abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand. 

This is important to note. 

To tarry is to stay. And the concept of staying can be quite difficult to embrace especially in a society that thrives on productivity. Productivity in and of itself is good but when it consumes our thinking and delays our time with the Lord we have a problem. Sitting in the presence of God is imperative to our growth as believers. In the Lord's presence we are renewed, encouraged, healed, delivered, set free, and comforted. And though culture embraces extreme productivity and a go getter mentality we aren't recharged and renewed in those circumstances. If anything we become depleted. Our strength is renewed in Christ.  

Let us take a look at the story of Mary and Martha. Luke 10:38-42 reads "now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with [a]all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things;  but onlyone thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

What's important to note is that scripture says "Martha was distracted with all her preparations". Relatable right! We all have responsibilities, but sometimes our to do list, goals, expectations, concerns can distract us from being present with God or rather tarrying. 

Let us do a systems check. Ask yourself. Am I struggling to tarry with my Heavenly Father? Is abiding difficult? When I sit to pray or read the word do I feel an urgency to do other things or is my attention  divided? If you have answered yes to even 1 of these questions don't be discouraged! Today is your day to press in! Wherever you can find time in your day today, set it aside, turn your phone on DND, pray and read the Word of God. Ask God to give you a desire for more of his presence. Rest, it is His gift to us. 

John 15: 5 reads "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." Our ability to bear fruit is connected to our ability to tarry. Sitting in the presence of God is a blessing. The God of the universe loves you beyond measure and wants you to set your love upon Him. God wants us to choose Him, He has already chosen us. Don't worry about trying to figure out all the things. God began a work in you and He is faithful to complete it. Most importantly He wants us to abide in Him. 

Read, meditate and pray the scriptures below 

John 15:16 

"You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that you fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you."

1 John 2:28

Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.

1 John 3:24 

The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.

Glory to God for His grace and mercy. Spend today worshipping, even if you have to sing in your head. Pray that the Lord would show you any area of your life that needs to be surrendered so you can intentionally be present with Him. Your Heavenly Father wants to hear from You. And life is much brighter in His presence.