Delight in the Dream-Giver (Those Who Dream Part 5)
First We Sit: Learning to Delight in the Dream-Giver
There’s something powerful that happens when the people of God gather. It’s not just a routine or tradition—it’s a moment where God shows up. Scripture paints a beautiful picture of God as a good Father who delights in being with His children. And when His children come together, He draws near.
As we walk through seasons of vision and dreaming as a church, it's essential that we pause to remember: before we pursue the dreams, we pursue the Dream-Giver.
The Church as Family and the Power of Presence
For many of us, the church becomes the first true picture of family. That was my story—coming to faith at nineteen, finding healing and belonging not just in God but in His people. The New Testament calls the church “the household of God,” a family where we don’t just believe the same things—we live out the love and mission of Christ together.
And like any home, we build not from our own blueprints, but from the plan God has already given us. That’s why we’re shaped by our “Blueprint” pillars—cultural and spiritual values that reflect God’s heart. And we’re adding a new one: Service. Inspired by the Christlike humility of moms and rooted in the life of Jesus, it’s the call to not be served, but to serve.
Dreams Come After Delight
We've been in a season called Those Who Dream, anchored in Psalm 126:
“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.” (Psalm 126:1, ESV)
Restoration leads to dreaming. Dreaming leads to joy. Joy leads to proclamation. But it all starts with the Lord. And it’s easy—even with the best intentions—to become obsessed with the dream instead of the Dream-Giver.
Psalm 37 reminds us:
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4, ESV)
This isn’t a promise that God gives us everything we want. It’s a picture of hearts so intertwined with His that His desires become our desires. Just like a healthy marriage, where over time, the things your spouse loves begin to matter to you too.
When we draw near, when we sit with Him, we begin to dream His dreams.
Sit Before You Serve: The Story of Mary and Martha
Luke 10 introduces us to two women: Mary and Martha. Jesus visits their home, and Martha is busy preparing and serving, while Mary simply sits at Jesus’ feet, listening. Martha, frustrated, asks Jesus to tell Mary to help—but Jesus gently responds:
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41–42, ESV)
We’re not told that service is bad—it’s a gift. But before we serve, we must sit. Our doing for God must flow from our being with Him.
This is especially vital for those of us who are wired to go, to move, to fix and lead and act. But Jesus calls us to reorder the rhythm: sit first. Serve second.
How Do We Sit with God Daily?
We’re not all the same. Some connect with God through worship. Others through nature. Some through study or solitude or acts of compassion. The goal is not to mimic someone else’s rhythm—it’s to discover how God wired you and pursue Him in that space.
But here are three universal practices to anchor our days:
1. Get Close
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:8, ESV)
You’re not chasing a distant deity. He is near. But nearness comes through intentional steps—turning off distractions, opening your Bible, quieting your soul. God is not hiding. When you seek Him, you’ll find Him.
2. Give Praise
“Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.” (Psalm 22:3, ESV)
Even in pain, worship grounds us. When we praise, even through tears, we invite God’s presence into our situation. He doesn’t promise a life free from suffering, but He does promise to be enthroned in our worship. Declare His faithfulness, even before you see the breakthrough.
3. Listen
“Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live.” (Isaiah 55:3, ESV)
In a world addicted to noise, listening is radical. Yet this is where the deep work of God happens—in quiet, in stillness. There is a feast for your soul, but you must slow down to eat.
Let Everything Flow From Love
Like a child crawling into their father’s lap, our first action every day should be nearness. Everything else—our dreams, our callings, our impact—flows from that place of love.
This is a reminder, church family: before we build, before we run, before we give, let’s sit. Let’s fix our eyes on the One who gives every good gift. He is the prize. He is the dream. He is the good portion.
Reflection Questions
What practices help you feel closest to God? Are you prioritizing those moments?
In what ways might you be “serving” without first “sitting”? What would it look like to reorder that rhythm?
Are you more focused on the dreams of God or the presence of God? How can you return to delighting in Him first?