Isaiah 48:18
Oh, that you had listened to my commands!
Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river
and righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
This morning as my husband helped Timothy into our car for church, he told him, “Climb up into the car, and I’ll strap you into your seat.” Timothy turned to him and said, “Hush, and I will.” Often lately, he tells us, “Stop talking so I can tell you something.” We remind him gently that what he is saying is not polite… but we know in reason he is parroting what has been said to him… probably by one of his parents as they try to get him to listen to their commands!
My mother shared with me that she was out in her yard and thought she heard someone calling to her. At first, she decided it was neighbor children. Then she realized it was an elderly man who lives up the street. He had fallen in his yard, was unable to get up… and he was calling out for help. She rushed to assist other neighbors in getting the man up out of his yard. She said, “Had I not been outside, I wouldn’t have heard his calls.”
The message of this passage for us today is, “Hush… and listen to God!” If we will only stop the “noise” of our lives and listen for God’s voice, we will discover many lessons and significant points He is trying to deliver. Too often, we hear God… but we are so distracted or so busy with our own agendas that we do not truly listen to what He is saying. When we hear God’s commands – and heed them – He fights our battles…He covers us in justice and decency…He grants us peace.
There are times when we need to stop talking and listen… even to a four-year-old or an elderly neighbor. We must always “hush and listen” to God… if we want to fully serve Him and enjoy His blessings and peace. I don’t know about you, but I’m taking this scripture passage as a gentle reminder from Him to do exactly that. Won’t you join me?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label letting God speak to you in quiet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label letting God speak to you in quiet. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for June 9, 2013
1 Corinthians 14:33
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
After attending a Contemporary Worship service at our church for more than a decade, my husband and I recently returned to the more traditional worship service that is held in the “third hour” each Sunday. We did this primarily so that my great-nephew, Timothy, and his sister Zola could attend Sunday school and nursery during that time period. But we have found that the “fit” is much better for all of us. This is not a criticism of Contemporary Worship. I participated as a member of that service’s Praise Team for eight years and even filled in as an interim leader of the team for many weeks one year. I love the casual atmosphere that seems to encourage some to more freely participate in worship.
But I found myself missing the peace and order of traditional worship… the way the old hymns quietly moved me with their words and rich tradition. I discovered that more of the pastor’s sermon resonates with me in the still calm of our church’s sanctuary. The choir’s anthems and the truly “divine” preludes and offertories presented by our pianist stir my soul… and sometimes move me to tears.
I recognize that people worship God in different ways… and at different speeds and volumes…and that’s okay. But I wonder… how often are we missing God – at least to a degree – because there is too much chaos and not enough peace in our lives? How often do we really sit still and listen for God? When was the last time you grabbed a cup of coffee (or your favorite beverage) and your Bible… and retreated to a quiet area to just sit still for a few minutes and let God speak to you? How often do you take a few minutes to pour out your heart to God… to talk to Him like you would your best friend... to tell Him all of your joys and your heartaches?
My question for all of us today is this… “Can we simply stop all of the noise and movement for a few minutes and truly worship God?” Can you give Him your full, undivided attention for even a little while? What do you suppose would happen if you stopped and basked in the peace and order of God? How much more do you think you might glean from His messages to you?
There are times to raise your hands… to shout and dance in worship of God. And there are times when we need to sit still… to revel in the order of peace. Do you have a healthy balance of both in your life? Are you willing to find out what could happen if you did?
©2013 Debbie Robus
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
After attending a Contemporary Worship service at our church for more than a decade, my husband and I recently returned to the more traditional worship service that is held in the “third hour” each Sunday. We did this primarily so that my great-nephew, Timothy, and his sister Zola could attend Sunday school and nursery during that time period. But we have found that the “fit” is much better for all of us. This is not a criticism of Contemporary Worship. I participated as a member of that service’s Praise Team for eight years and even filled in as an interim leader of the team for many weeks one year. I love the casual atmosphere that seems to encourage some to more freely participate in worship.
But I found myself missing the peace and order of traditional worship… the way the old hymns quietly moved me with their words and rich tradition. I discovered that more of the pastor’s sermon resonates with me in the still calm of our church’s sanctuary. The choir’s anthems and the truly “divine” preludes and offertories presented by our pianist stir my soul… and sometimes move me to tears.
I recognize that people worship God in different ways… and at different speeds and volumes…and that’s okay. But I wonder… how often are we missing God – at least to a degree – because there is too much chaos and not enough peace in our lives? How often do we really sit still and listen for God? When was the last time you grabbed a cup of coffee (or your favorite beverage) and your Bible… and retreated to a quiet area to just sit still for a few minutes and let God speak to you? How often do you take a few minutes to pour out your heart to God… to talk to Him like you would your best friend... to tell Him all of your joys and your heartaches?
My question for all of us today is this… “Can we simply stop all of the noise and movement for a few minutes and truly worship God?” Can you give Him your full, undivided attention for even a little while? What do you suppose would happen if you stopped and basked in the peace and order of God? How much more do you think you might glean from His messages to you?
There are times to raise your hands… to shout and dance in worship of God. And there are times when we need to sit still… to revel in the order of peace. Do you have a healthy balance of both in your life? Are you willing to find out what could happen if you did?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)