Wild Heart: A 7-Day Devotional by Kim Walker-SmithSample

Breathing Room:

Psalm 119:111-112 (TPT) “Everything you speak to me is like joyous treasure, filling my life with gladness. I have determined in my heart to obey whatever you say, fully and forever!”

 From the time I was very young, I have been very independent and strong-willed. These are characteristics that have, at many times, served me well. I learn quickly, am a good problem-solver, and have a high work ethic. But other times, this is a weakness for me. Sometimes I can become too self-reliant, unwilling to ask for help, and insistent on doing things on my own. Every time I find myself operating in my own strength, I quickly become burned out and frustrated. I find that my patience is short and my stress levels are high, as I’m taking on the weight by myself, and believing that I am alone in whatever task I am trying to accomplish. It’s usually in the moment of crumbling underneath the weight that I remember how much better it is when I rely on Jesus! When I rest in His strength, I no longer need to carry any weight, as He takes on every burden. When I’m facing difficult circumstances the thing that gives me the most peace, are the words God speaks. Every word, every promise, every scripture, is life to me.  Holding onto those words is what keeps me breathing and moving through even the darkest valley. When it feels like the walls are closing in around me, His words keep pulling me through all the way.  

 There are two things I must do in order to remain in this place. The first one is that I must surrender and trust God above everything else. In the song “Breathing Room”, I spontaneously sing a line in which I say, “My heart is wide open, when the door is open…when the door is shut.” I remember that moment when we were recording this song and the feeling I had as I said it. It hit me in the gut a little bit. It’s really easy to trust and follow when the door is open and the path is clear and easy. It’s much harder to surrender and trust when the door is shut or unclear. Especially if it’s a door I want to walk through.  

 The second thing I must do is to keep my heart open and soft. This is the only way to allow God’s words to bring life to me. If I allow my heart to become offended or hardened, it will create a wall that causes me to not listen and to depend on myself. Today, as you read this scripture and listen to the song, ask God to speak to you. Write down the words He speaks and let those words fill your mind throughout your day as you pull them deep into your heart.