Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook is the author of a book entitled Lean In. Lean In has become a movement designed to help women pursue and achieve their ambitions. It’s mission is focused on what women CAN do versus what they can’t.
With all my strength and might I’ve pursued what I can do.
~Be Super Mommy
~Submitted Wife
~Obedient Disciple
~Attentive, Available Friend
~Serving, Honorable Daughter
I’ve come to grips with the reality that without Jesus at the center, I can’t do a thing. In all my getting and doing, I’d be at wits end when operating in my own strength. But praise to el-Roi, the God who sees; who sees our hearts, our efforts, and our attempts then gently leads or redirects saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit’.
In the last week and a half, I have had so much on my mind. After a series of rejections coupled with spiritual, mental and emotional healing (you can read more of that by clicking here and here), I was left drained and overwhelmed. I was literally feeling hard pressed on every side. I cried out to God singing:
When my heart is overwhelmed
I pray Lord lead me to the rock
Lead me to the rock that’s higher than I
O Lord
Yes when my heart is overwhelmed
I’m asking lead to the rock
Lead me to the rock that’s higher than I
O Lord
When the weight of this whole world
Tries to slay me
A strong tower from the enemy
You will be for me
So I need to find this place
Yes the special secret place
I’m assured of Your embrace
The place I call my sanctuary
There You are
Lead me to the rock
Lead me to the rock
You are my firm foundation
My salvation my solid rock
Stephen Hurd
While feeling boxed in, my simple meditation of “lead me to the rock” was enough. He heard me and responded saying, “Come to me. I am the Strong Tower.” And because I was so weary, once I got to the strong tower, all I could do was Lean In.
When you are in a tight space, uncomfortable space, unfamiliar space, seek Him. With your whole heart, cry out to Him.
In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God: He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry came before Him, even into His ears. Psalm 18:6
He will surely answer.
And call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me. Psalm 50:15
He will be very gracious to you at the voice of your cry; when He shall hear it, He will answer you. Isaiah 30:19
So as I stood, leaning into My God, My Strong Tower, He spoke to my heart. I was going to rush to get to a meeting on time but He said, go outside and sit a while. I obeyed and sat out in the sun and breathed deeply, and was awash in His peace. I felt the warm sun on my skin, listened to several species of birds chirping and just marveled at the great and mighty power of Elohim. The day after that I was expecting company and was going to do some serious cleaning (mind you the house was already clean) before the guests arrived. Again, He urged me to come outside and sit a while to which I obeyed. And again His peace flooded me as I meditated on what was true, lovely and of good report.
I can now relate to these lyrics in a very personal way.
“Leaning on the Lord, trusting in His holy word He’s never failed me yet. Oh ooh ooh can’t turn around now. He’s never failed me yet.”
In her book, Sandberg says, “I have never met a woman, or man, who stated emphatically, “Yes, I have it all.'” Because no matter what any of us has—and how grateful we are for what we have—no one has it all.”
I don’t know what “ALL” she’s referring to but I’ll take ALL the Jesus I can get.
I’m leaning in…way in to Jesus today.
When you are feeling hard pressed on every side, what do you do?
As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!
Happy to connect with friends at Purposeful Faith Equipping Godly Women Dance With Jesus
[…] I cling to him. I cry out to him. I am open and honest with him. I lean in to him. I dance with […]
When the weight of this whole world
Tries to slay me
A strong tower from the enemy
You will be for me
Thank you for sharing these moving lyrics! Such a great reminder to lean in to our Strong Tower! #LifeGivingLinkUp
Yes Kelly I was clinging to the truth shared in these lyrics. The song is on YouTube if you want to take a listen. Be strong in the Lord!
I’m leanin in to Jesus too! I can’t accomplish anything fruitful apart from Him! (John 15)
Indeed Sue. May you continue to flourish as you remain connected to the vine.
Thank you so much for this reminder that our loving, Heavenly Father has promised to answer the cry of our heart, to be our place of safety & to strengthen us. How wonderful that we need not journey alone; that He is always by our side. I love the verses that you shared. Thank you sweet friend!
Blessings,
Kamea
Tyra, your words encourage and inspire me greatly. May we always lean in and trust in HIM wholly and completely. Thank you for sharing this! Infinite blessings, Love! 🙂
Stopping by from the #FellowshipFridays linkup! Thank you for your transparency!
I needed to hear this today. I’m exhausted from not sleeping (up with multiple kids all night), and I have a long, very busy, day ahead of me. I’ve been almost dreading it all morning. I think I’ll step outside and breathe for a few minutes, rather than dread the time ahead of me. Thank you for the reminder to lean into Jesus.
Sweet friend I know the situation so very well. I urge you to sit with Him a while so that you are fueled to go the distance today. If you can, please take 5 minutes and worship. This song will usher you right face to face with Him https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_mQr_dFTsQ
How much we all need to be reminded to lean in completely on Him, and not lean on our own understanding or agendas. Thanks so much for sharing!
The is comfort, rest, safety and security in leaning into Him. Thanks for stopping by friend.
I am so grateful that God is the one in control. I love your title, those two little words “Lean In” spoke volumes to me. I really needed to read this today. I need to be reminded that I’m not alone in this craziness of motherhood and life in general. Thank you for sharing.
Celi,
Dear friend you are certainly not alone. As a mommy of 5 with little family around and a hubby who works many hours the intensity of my life is REAL! But just as real as the situation is MY GOD! He is able to make all grace abound toward us so that we have all sufficiency for every good work (2 Corin 9:8). Be encouraged friend and lean in His loving arms.
Tyra, I lean in to Jesus and find peace in the same ways: through scripture, worship songs, sitting in the sun when there are a million other things I could be doing … So glad to have found you through Purposeful Faith today.
Lois,
Isn’t it so amazing that God has given us all these different ways to connect with Him? When we open our eyes and ears we can SEE Him all around. Bountiful blessings to you friend. Thanks for stopping by.