Firm Foundation
Bonnie Shue McDonald
Kim: You talk about protecting your peace and creating space to hear from God. What does that look like in your everyday life now, and what practices would you encourage others to adopt if they feel overwhelmed, distracted, or disconnected from God's voice?
Bonnie: It doesn’t take much looking around to see plenty of chaos in the world. Many are in a hurry, moving quickly through traffic, in lines where we wait, and in public interactions. One might ask, “Where is God in all of this?”
He is right here. But in one pastor’s words: “God is a gentleman. He doesn’t push His way into a person’s life.”
If I am going to abide with Him, I have to make room. In everyday life, I highly encourage making room. Whatever that looks like is individual. For me, it looks like rising early and getting outside if the weather makes it possible. I read the Bible, talk to God, pray, maybe listen to worship music, and write in my journal. That is my general rhythm and not necessarily in any particular order.
Feeling disconnected from God, overwhelmed, or distracted? Leave the phone behind. My best practices include leaving it in my office or on the kitchen counter about an hour before bedtime. And not picking it up again until the next day, after spending time alone with God. Do I do that perfectly every day? No. But it is the practice I aim toward daily, and I am most satisfied in life when I have unhurried time with Him.
I worship with believers every week that is possible. Even if I am out of town. What a joy and a constant connection. Being with my own church family for worship and connect groups on Sundays, plus a connect group on Thursdays, fills my cup. I rarely miss and do not schedule anything else at those times.
If I don’t protect my time with the Lord and with other believers, I won’t get it. And I am the one missing out when that happens. Then it starts to show in my relationships with others and in my pursuit of other gods. So I have learned to stop myself right there. Go to Him, ask forgiveness, and return to that connection. He always welcomes me back in the midst of all the chaos like a perfect gentleman.
Are you feeling further from Him than you would like? Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. James 4:8.
Listen to Episode 7 of My Friend Writes
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