Posted by Oracle C.T. Webb
January 10, 2013 -
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910 views
For many of us, the art of being still is a foreign concept. We’re used to dabbling with our smart phones, perusing websites while we chat or eating dinner with the television on. We inundate ourselves with sounds and pictures that occupy space in our hearts and take priority in our minds. In short, we’re busy being busy. “Let be and be still, and know, recognize and understand that I am God.” The practice of being still before God is a skill that must be learned, developed and practiced. Many of us find difficulty with the concept of sitting still because our flesh likes to be busy. Like Taoist principle suggests, we expend a great deal of energy trying to do everything, when in essence, we’re not doing anything at all. In short, the flesh tries to convince us that being active means we’re being productive—not so. Spiritual productivity comes as a result of sitting quietly in the presence of God and listening to what He has to say to us. Contrary to what we like to think, sitting quietly before God does not entail rattling off a list of our latest wants, desires or let downs. God is not a modern day Santa Claus. He is the one who loves you and desires for you to allow Him to show His love without reservation. God longs for you to embrace Him, and receive Him. How can you do this? By sitting in His presence.
Sometimes sitting in God’s presence means you sit and say nothing. By sitting silently, you are practicing how to listen intently to God. One of the best ways I’ve learned how to listen is by asking God if there is anyone He’d like me to pray for or encourage. Often times, God will respond by impressing someone on my heart: my child’s teacher, a friend or even someone I don’t know that well. Regardless of who the person is, I try to listen to God and wait for specific instructions on what I can do to pray or bless the person. Doing a good thing at the wrong time is still the wrong thing to do. Waiting for God’s instructions, will help ensure that words of encouragement are received in the way God intends.
As we listen for God’s directions and guidance, He will give us ideas, revelations or creative answers to our circumstances that we never even considered. God is our provision and our present help, we need only look to Him and wait for His answer. It may take a few minutes or a few days, but God will always answer. So, don’t be too quick to dismiss the practice of stillness as futile just because you haven’t heard from God in the first 30 seconds of your quiet time. The truth is you have to take the time to listen. You have to practice releasing your cares, worries and concerns so that you can hear clearly from the God of Heaven.
©2010-2013 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved
