The Moments that Sustain Us
Psalm 145:1-5
Does peace come naturally for you, or does it feel like a constant struggle? Sometimes, it seems as though so many things are actively working against our peace that our spirits may never know a moment’s rest. How can we quiet these distractions long enough to hear God’s voice?
The key is found within a word that may make you uncomfortable: meditation. Perhaps you’re thinking, Well, all that meditation stuff is what other religions call “finding yourself.” I’m not going to waste my time with that. Oh no! What a horrible misconception. My friend, meditation is not about listening to yourself; rather, it is about quieting your own mind and listening for the gentle whispers of God.
Think about your prayer life. Whose voice is most prominent—yours or God’s? If you are like most people, the vast majority of your prayer time is spent talking to God, thanking Him for what He’s done, and asking for help with your life. There is certainly nothing wrong with this, but if you never give Him time to answer, how will you know what He wants you to do?
The time we spend listening is a good indication of how much we respect and enjoy the relationship. If we dominate the conversation, then we may be showing God with our actions that His opinions are not as important as our own. Now, we’d never say those words so plainly, but our actions may be proclaiming that very message.
Are you listening to God? Commit your time with Him today to quietly listening for what He wants to share with you.
Daily Devotions with Dr. Charles Stanlley, InTouch Ministries