When Seeking God is More Than Perfectly Planned Quiet Times

The rhythmic churning of the washer muffled screams throughout my house. I buried my face in my hands. I was desperate to find God here, in this small place of solitude. Amid piles of laundry and fresh scents, he gripped my unsteadiness. The Lord drew me to himself, guarding my mouth against harm. He is my tower of strength when I struggle with fleshly tendencies. I sought him, and his faithful presence upheld me.

Another day I sprawled across my bed, bumping into kid'’ toys left behind. My teething baby and stubborn two-year-old unraveled me this day.  Arms wide open, eyes shut, my exhausted body relented.  I sought God amid backaches, frustrations, and tears. And like a loving father, he scooped me in his arms, quieting me with his love.

One day, on a miraculous day, my soul was overwhelmed by his goodness. Like getting caught up in a downpour on a sweltering summer day, the Lord's graciousness saturated my soul. He made paths through pastures deemed impassable. His mercies were overflowing. Amid joys indescribable, I sought God with loud praise.

“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:12-13, NIV

My hands were deep into scrubbing my kitchen sink the other day when I heard his voice. It was so clear and distinct that I envisioned him near me. As usual, I felt overwhelmed this day, and my driven mindset clouded the moment. All I was thinking about was the numerous tasks needing to be accomplished by the day's end. I was determined to complete them all.

But at that moment, I felt as if Jesus was wrapping his arms around me, placing his hands over mine, inviting me to let go and follow him. It was an invitation.

An invitation to seek him.

Because seeking the Lord isn't all about perfectly planned out quiet times. I learned that years ago. My moment of clarity came the year I cradled my firstborn in my arms.

No, God desires to be sought both in the quiet and chaos. He wants us to seek him every day, even if our days are wrapped up in the loud and constant demands of motherhood.

Like in the moments when you're changing a diaper on a screaming child, yearning for calm among rambunctious children, breaking up a fight between your children, or fuming with anger from a teenage dispute.

God wants you to seek him, yes, even in these not-so-quiet moments of your day. And you know what he promises? God promises his presence when you seek him with your heart.

Where is your heart today, dear sister? And most importantly, how will you seek him today?

Maybe it’s during a quiet pursuit while your children are warm in their beds. But maybe today, you will also attempt to pursue him amid the chaos, the loud, the whirlwind of your day.

Blessings,

Sandra Bretschneider

Sandra Bretschneider is a wife, mother of three, speech-language pathologist, and writer with a passion for helping other women to dive deeper into God’s Word. She is the author of Knowing the Shepherd: A Names of God Bible Study for Moms. Connect with Sandra on Instagram @sandra.bretschneider