Inspiration over Aspiration. What comes more naturally to you? For awhile now I have been working in my own strength, my own power, in a sense striving! Trusting only myself. I was struggling with panic and anxiety . I came across these two words in a devotion book.
Inspiration. Aspiration. They struck me!
I started searching for meaning in them. One meaning of each word is very similar. Inspiration- the drawing in of breath, plus divine influence, mentally stimulated to do or feel something creative. Aspiration- The action of drawing breath plus strong desire to achieve. What struck me and what I believe God is trying to teach me in many different ways is this: Although they may seem similar there is a subtle difference. One seems more of a natural step that happens without much effort on our part. The drawing in of breath. It’s natural and vital for life. The other is an action we perform. It requires effort we sometimes don’t have to give.
I am exhausted from performing. After a recent session with a counselor of sorts, she spoke to me about trust and being still. Letting God handle what I had been trying to shoulder. To not keep forcing and pushing because I indeed can’t do it all. Pushing through is not a healthy coping mechanism. Feelings need to be felt and processed. I have a limited amount of energy. I am a human being and I need to learn to be. Be still. Soak in peace. Deep breath and inhale the good and breath out the bad. I need to just believe and trust that God is who He says He is. He brings Peace. I learned I am in fact mistreating my body by lack of sleep, pushing myself, punishing my being: causing chaos and confusion in the process of being overwhelmed and resisting what comes naturally. Holding my own breath in fact. Or breathing so fast and shallow that nothing is served. Panic prevails.
I was instructed to think of tending a garden. Sometimes it needs pruning, sometimes water is required, there are dormant
seasons and fertilizer needed for healthy fruit and flowers in due time.It can’t be rushed. It must be a natural process. We need to save our strength at times to weed, to harvest, to be able to pick up the trowel and plant. Sunday Pastor even shared Proverbs 5:15- Drink water from your own well, The Holy Spirit in us. Not looking at others to be wells for us. Not in our own power or might but the indwelling we have available to us. At times it may look like we are trusting God but unconsciously picking up the things we had once laid down and trying to tote them again.
I am learning to trust Jehovah Jireh- God will provide. When I look back, He has proven faithful again and again. How easily we get distracted and forget! I am making a goal to invite God in. He wants to handle our stuff. He wants us to have hope and joy in our circumstances. He is the source of power. Favorite word today from Pastor- Don’t let the presence of the battle make us question the presence of God. I am desiring His presence and inspiration over any of my aspirations. Have you ever tried to do life in your own power, rushing ahead of God our creator. Then asking for Him to bless our crazy mess? Maybe I am the only one, but I sure have stuck my fingers in my own ears many times. So I am counseling myself that now I know better and I wish and pray to do life His way. Hope this encourages someone in some small way! Rest, Peace, and Presence to you all.
Big Hugs Beloved,
Kay Simpson
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