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