Photo credit: Ric Rodrigues from Pexels
In our world today, communication commonly takes place in 15-30 second bytes like video clips.
There is a relentless crush of media; from text messages, to the internet, and its social media clamor, for our attention.
Smartphones make linking to the world too easy. It lets us talk to most anyone in the world, watch TV, movies, and sending a text, all on our luminescent handheld "gods". There is next no time for reflection, and little else has a chance to grab our attention.
Within this daily media blitz, it is all too easy to let our spiritual man starve and wither away.
Psalm 78 begins with these words,
“My people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth.” Psalm 78:1 NIV
This verse is a clear call to put aside our busyness, to stop, listen, and take to heart the word of God. As Disciples of Christ, we are presented with a daily choice: Will we stop, be still, know He is God and hear His still, small voice speaking to our thirsty souls? Will we Allow our soul to be nourished and restored by the source of all wisdom and goodness?
All too often, we begin our days under the relentless press of life, too busy to listen to those around us. Rarely do we stop to hear God´s gentle knocking on the door of our heart, waiting to nurture and heal our lives.
In the book of Revelation´s Letter to the church of Laodicea, we find this verse,
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Rev. 3:20 NIV
Many think this verse is meant for the lost, but it is part of a letter written to members of the Laodicean Church, who were professing Christians. We all need to ask the question, “Am I like the Laodicean church, independent and too busy for God? Do I make time for him, does he have a place in my life?”
Even though peace and restoration await us in His Words, we are often too busy for our Creator. But make no mistake, God will be heard. Although He may not always cause it but allow it, He can be heard in a raging firestorm, during an illness, during the loss of a job, in our home, during the actions of a rebellious child, and through a loving voice that is gently guiding, teaching, restoring, and feeding the deepest parts of our being.
How we hear God or how He gets our attention is the choice you and I are faced with daily. In any case, God will be heard. Dwell on that thought as you read a verse from Psalm 23:2-3 NIV,
“He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.”
The Psalmists' words are clear. We have no choice (which is a good thing), somewhere, somehow He makes us Stop and lie down. He leads us to a quiet place to listen, He waits to renew you, his child. God will be Heard!
Unfortunately, I often only hear in crisis. These past few weeks were no exception. What did it take to make me slow down and hear? Heart trouble, as I write this, I am waiting on heart surgery, too weak to do much more than read and yes now listen! Even though the loving and gentle Father has always been waiting to guide and teach me and you!
How about you, what does it take for God to get your attention? Incline your ear to the Lord. Be still and know that He is God and we’re not. Shhhh, quite now, He is speaking; are you listening?
-Brian Jakowski
Brian is a missionary based in Maués Amazonas Brazil where he and his wife, minister as ESL teachers, English is their bridge to sharing Jesus. Brian’s background includes pastoral counselling, facilitation of marriage workshops, the coordination of homeless outreaches in the U.S. and Manaus Brazil, and direction of men's ministry in Maués. He Writes on Faith and Family topics. You can find more articles by Brian on his website.
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