Listening to God




Scripture: Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God!
I have always been an outgoing person who is not at a loss for words.  Going on spiritual retreats has changed my approach to listening to God and making time for meditation.  Back in my 30s, I went on a four-day Church of the Savior retreat, sponsored by my church when I lived in North Carolina.  After an hour or so of introductions to the weekend, the eighteen participants from a variety of denominations were given instructions on experiencing eighteen hours of silence.  
 
Wow, that was a shock to me!  We were given choices of how to spend our time in the silence, including journaling, walking in nature, praying, etc.  Part of those eighteen hours included sleep.  The silence was not broken until after breakfast the following day.  So we even ate with our fellow Christians in silence.
 
All of the intrusions of the outside world were stripped away.  My senses were heightened and I did not miss speaking.  I felt cleansed and pleasantly surprised that shutting out the cacophony of the external world enabled me to let God into my life in a much more meaningful way.  And He answered me and talked with me and I really listened to Him.  I felt cleansed and at peace.
 
I craved the silence and time with listening to God.  After that retreat, I made a concerted effort to carve out mini stretches of silence.  With two young children, there were challenges.  Setting aside a designated place in my home, where I could be alone and look at the woods in my backyard was the first step.  Setting a timer on the microwave for 10-15 minutes in the adjoining kitchen and having my children know to not interrupt me unless “blood was drawn” was a habit I cultivated…and a habit I still strive to practice in retirement.
 
Going “cold turkey” and eliminating interruptions was a first step.  You may not have eighteen hours of silence but you can start small, carve out quiet time, and discover how much God will speak to you, if you are willing to listen. 
 
Prayer: Lord, help me to create a quiet time in my day, still my voice, open my heart, and listen to you.
Shelley Randall

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