As I was opening my Bible for my time in the word, I came across a scripture that jumped out at me. Have you experienced that? I wasn't quite ready to dig into it, so I marked it for later study and continued what I was reading in 1 Kings. No matter how much I tried to read in 1 Kings, I couldn't seem to shake that particular scripture out of my head. This is the scripture:
Isaiah 32:9, "Rise up, you women who are at ease, hear my voice, you are complacent daughters, give ear to my speech." NKJV
I knew the Holy Spirit was inviting me to examine myself and allow me to see where in my own life, I am complacent and at ease. Recently, I started reading the Bible again every morning. There was a time I daily read my Bible without fail; however, I allowed other things to distract me, and I became complacent in my Bible study. Even more disheartening was reflecting on my personal prayer life. It wasn't that I didn't love my husband and children; I had just stopped praying for them. I thought because I am a Christian and love God that I was doing enough, but in reality…I needed a gut check.
But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You.
For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield. Psalms 5:11-12 NKJV
Being at ease doesn't sound so bad, right? But if we as women are at ease and complacent, things in our lives can fall apart. What I mean by this is we become unaware of the dangers lurking all around, and we fall into a complacent state.
Complacency is a dangerous place to be and means showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements.
In the book of Isaiah, the women were at ease, complacent, and not preparing for the day the harvest would dry up. God sent a warning through the prophet Isaiah for the women to make changes and "rise up" from their current position.
In a year and some days You will be troubled, you complacent women; For the vintage will fail, The gathering will not come. Isaiah 32:10 NKJV
I had to ask myself, how am I complacent?
1. Comfortable in my marriage
My husband and I have a pretty good relationship, but to have a great marriage takes work. That means being willing to get help outside the home by talking to marriage counselor, read marriage books together, communicate by asking questions when you do not understand something, and take time to plan special dates.
2. Comfortable with myself
It's wonderful to be happy and love who you are, right? Absolutely but comfort can lead to complacency. Do not ever think you've reached the top because there is nowhere to go but the bottom.
Maintain your spiritual, physical, and mental wellbeing. Spend time with God every day, continue a well-balanced diet, exercise, and make time for yourself.
3. Comfortable in my Christianity
After years of being saved, reading the Bible, spending time with God, it is easy to let life come in and take those moments away. It is essential to continue to grow in Christ and build our relationship with him.
I'm challenging myself by asking the holy spirit to take the blinders off my eyes and to examine all areas of my heart. I'm asking God to forgive me for being at ease when my neighbor is hungry, my marriage is neglected, my children aren't getting fed the word of God, and my walk with God has fallen to the wayside.
If you've read this and it has hit home with you, I'd like to pray with you. God has not called You as a woman to sit on the sidelines but to rise up in him and embrace your calling as a woman, as a mom, and as a wife.
Arise, for this matter is your responsibility. We also are with you. Be of good courage,
and do it." Ezra 10:4 NKJV
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