Saturday, January 23, 2010

Come to the Quiet

Be still, and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)

As you probably know, most people do not like quiet. Just look at how most people live. They usually have something on - television, radio or music. For years I was no different. I wasn’t used to being quiet, listening for God’s voice. My mind wanted entertainment. With so much noise cluttering my senses, it was no wonder I found it difficult to listen.

Sadly, most people wander through life, constantly filling their minds with useless noise, distracting them from having blessed communion with our God. Of course, He can speak to us, even in the midst of utter chaos, but for me it’s just much easier in a quiet setting.

It’s really a matter of who has your undivided attention. For example, when someone you love comes in the room and wants to talk about something that’s important to them, do you continue watching television, never looking away from the screen, not really listening to what’s being said? Or do you turn the volume down, look at them and give them your undivided attention? Hopefully you will do the later and give a listening ear. You should care about God in the same way. That may mean turning down the volume.

Consider what happened to Elijah..

The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
(1 Kings 19:11-13)


Elijah was told to go stand on the mountain and that God would appear and speak to him. He saw very strong wind, earthquake and fire. But God wasn’t found in any of those. Where was He? Of course, He was found in that still small voice. For me personally, it’s the same way. God’s voice usually isn’t like loud thunder, but more like a gentle whisper.

He’s lovingly calling us into fellowship with Him. Giving God our undivided attention means quieting our souls, getting rid of useless thoughts that pollute our minds and seeking His face.

Forgive me Lord

Forgive me Lord for sins long past, and those for which I haven't asked. Forgive me when I neglect to pray; instead, desiring my own way...