Shut in with God

Life is full of changes, both unexpected and planned ones.
Having a special needs child puts our family in the "Unexpected Change OVERLOAD" category.
A great mentor once taught me that:

What you focus on - you empower.

Easier said than done.
Especially when you keep facing challenges and unexpected changes.

Have you ever said to God:
"Umm, Hello - God..... This was not in my plan." Or " This is REALLY bad timing God!"

After years of facing many health crises with my daughter and the roller coaster ride of being a leader - I have learned a lesson worth more than gold.

Position is power. 

How I choose to position myself, my perspective, my heart, my mind and my words will determine my outcome and my experience during unexpected change.

po·si·tion

noun

1.  condition with reference to place; location; situation.

2.  a place occupied or to be occupied; site

3.  the proper, appropriate, or usual place

4.  situation or condition, especially with relation to favorable or  unfavorable circumstances

5.  status or standing

6.  bodily posture or attitude

7.  mental attitude; stand

The ONLY way I have learned to find the right postion when facing unexpected transition and change, is to choose to be "Shut in with God." This is where I find gold in the heat of the fire.

Sometimes circumstances cause an involuntary "lock down" on life as you know it.

Even when the involuntary circumstance comes - YOU get to choose whether to :

• be a forced prisoner
• be a willing occupant of a divine habitation

One choice leads us to injustice, anger, and a sense that things are happening to us that are out of our control.

The other leads to surrender, secrets and strategy.

The richest, most life changing learning has happened for me,  in the Shut In Place

Consider these words of an old hymn:

The disciples were praying for the power to fall

Ten days they did tarry, on God they did call

Then God sent His spirit to baptize them all

For they had been shut in with God

Chorus

Shut in with God in a secret place

There in the spirit, beholding His face

Gaining new power to run in this race

Oh, I love to be shut in with God

Of all pleasant places on land or on sea

There's no place on earth that is sweeter to me

Than to kneel at the feet of my Master and Lord

For there, I’ll be shut in with God

The louder the fear, the bigger the questions, the greater obstacles... the longer and more intentional become about being Shut In With God.

This isn't escapism... it's strategy.
It isn't running from the problem, it's running into power and perspective.
It isn't abdicating responsibility, it's alignment and enlightenment.

When transition or trial or change comes,  our minds often try to run wild finding answers and ideas. They are not wrong within themselves, but they are not enough.
New power and perspective comes in being Shut In. 

In this place:

• the voices are gone or only a faint, distant whisper
• the questions become easily answered
• things that seemed important either disappear or become clearer
• new ideas burst forth
• you emerge with a renewed sense of alignment, peace and clarity

Doesn't that sound better than being a "forced prisoner"?

I don't pretend to know what needs to happen for you to be Shut in With God. It is different for each of us, and an exercise worth practising on a regular basis.

Here's some keys to finding your Shut in Shack with God instead of being a forced prisoner:

1. Shut the door to the noise outside. 
2. Take time to rest and reflect. 
3. Remember and review the story of God in your life.
4. Ask for His perspective.
5. Wait and listen.
6. Respond accordingly.

God, the one and only - I'll wait as long as he says. Everything I need comes from Him, so why not? He's solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul, An impregnable castle: I'm set for life.