THE CALL TO LISTEN

Be Still and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.

~Psalm 46:10 NKJV

“Shhh,” Mom whispered to the children, reminding them to be still and listen. Sometimes they forgot to be quiet.

Sometimes, our heavenly Father says, “Shhh.” He wants our full attention and desires that we be still. When our minds are constantly filled and busy, thoughts tug us in different directions, and we cannot hear what He says to our hearts.

THE STRUGGLE

My heavenly Father captured my attention when I received three lovely gifts with Psalm 46:10 printed on them. They came from different people, but within a brief period. I believe He was impressing on me the importance of being quiet before Him.

During my quiet time, I read and wrote my daily scriptures, prayed, and listened to worship music, but I struggled to focus on the Lord. Thoughts cluttered my mind. The to-do list urged me to finish quickly as if it were just another task to be checked off.

We struggle to clear our minds. Accomplishing this takes focused effort and practice. The enemy of our soul does not want us to focus on our Lord. Rather, he pressures us to finish the tasks. But God has a better plan. He wants us to sit before Him, bask in His glory, and listen for His quiet voice. 

BE DETERMINED AND START WITH TEN

Even though it is difficult to clear our minds, start with ten minutes of quiet and then increase the quiet time by surrendering and waiting on the Lord.

Finding a place to be alone is also a challenge. This takes preparation. We must turn off the phone, the computer, and the TV. Then, we must decide where our quiet place will be.

Our quiet time lets us hear the Lord and know Him more intimately.

“YADA”

The word “know” in Hebrew is “yada,” and it means to perceive, understand, know, discern, be known, make oneself known, and be familiar with. Yada signifies an intimate relationship. 

God already knows everything about us, so we can’t surprise Him. He created us and knew us before we were even a thought in our parents’ minds. Even if we try, we cannot hide anything from Him. Our heart’s desire should be to know Him intimately. He has revealed Himself to us through the written word and through the Lord Jesus Christ, whom God sent to show us the Father. 

READY YOUR HEART

Do you set aside time to be with the Lord? Do you want to know Him more intimately? Plan to spend time with Him being quiet and listening.

What do you enjoy most about being still before God?

Father God, thank You for loving me and placing the desire in my heart to know You more intimately. Thank You for getting my attention by sending reminders that You desire quiet time with me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2022: Be Still: Glenda Shouse: All Rights Reserved