It's so hard for me sit still and be quiet.
Our society is so busy and noisy that I know I'm not the only in this constant struggle of wanting to hear God's voice, but feeling undeniably uneasy when I'm in an almost completely quiet room. No, removing ourselves from noise is not a requirement to be intimate with God, but Scripture gives us several examples of people who removed themselves from the crowd to dig a littler deeper into our Father's heart for us.
Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit over here while I go over there and pray.
|| Matthew 26:36, NIV ||
When the people saw the thunder and lightening and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembles with fear and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.” Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.” The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.
|| Exodus 20:18:21, NIV ||
No, I do not believe God is hindered by the chaos we create with our to-do lists, and goals and obligations and...blah blah blah. And not all of those things are bad. I think He wants us to be organized and methodical when it comes to carrying out the tasks and gifts He's blessed us with. However, we should never allow the internal noise of our schedules to overcast the eternal thunder of His presence. There is something so intimate, so beautiful, so self-sacrificing in one of the smallest but yet meaningful ways when we give our time to Him.
Today, I challenge you.
Take five minutes.
Yes, five whole minutes.
And be still.
Put your phone on silent, go in your closet or bathroom or bedroom or wherever, close the door, set a timer and just be still. Close your Bible, put away your journal and put down your pen. Tell God you are here to hear Him and to just rest at His feet. If your heart feels there is something you need to say, just go ahead and say it to Him. But try not to ask for anything. Just praise Him.
Thank Him for your life.
Thank Him for your pain.
Remind yourself of your unworthiness and His sacrifice for you.
Just be still.
It is my prayer that we all fight for time with Him.
xoxo,
Ashley Danielle