Our lives are ever filled with busyness and noise and
constant activity. When was the last time you slowed down long enough to really
listen? I have found that stopping to
really listen is best done when you are alert and rested and able to calm
yourself enough to turn off the volume in your own head. The part of the day that is best to do this is
different for each person but for me I have found the morning time to the best
time. It isn’t always the first thing I
do but the earlier in the day I do it the better.
Be Still:
I don’t think it really matters where you choose to be
still. I like to sit on my porch looking out over my front yard to the sky and trees
across the street. I get settled into a
comfortable place in my seat and I don’t move. Sometimes I close my eyes to
keep from moving around to look around at my surroundings. I don’t try to time myself mentally but the
longer I avoid moving the better for me. The hard part comes when I try to stop
thinking and turn the volume down in my head so I can listen. I like to use aromatherapy to help myself do
this. There are lots of essential oils and blends of essential oils that can
help you calm down and focus. Some of my favorites are Frankincense, Cedarwood,
and Peppermint. Concentrating on my breathing also helps me to focus on
something so that the rest of my thoughts can fade away. When I am having a day where I can’t seem to
settle my mind down, I will get out my prayer journal and right down names of
all the people I know that need a prayer and any decisions or problems I am struggling with.
When I am ready I pray to God the Father and creator of all
things. My prayers include thanking Him
for various things and then asking Him to forgive my sins and hear my prayers.
Then I ask Him for whoever and whatever needs come to my thoughts. I then ask Him to speak to me about whatever
decisions I may be considering, problems I am facing and how He would use me
this day.
Listen:
Before I jump up and start moving around I try to “tune”
into the Holy Spirit and wait for any ideas or thoughts that are new to come in
my mind about the answers I requested from the Lord about. Sometimes a scripture will come to my mind.
Whatever thoughts I have I then go to the Bible and read His Word to listen. It
doesn’t really matter what part of the Bible I read, sometimes it is a very
specific book or verse, or a teaching that I know I need to examine more
carefully for direction. Sometimes I just randomly open it up and see what the
Lord has to say. Whatever I read I am never disappointed and because I know the
Lord is sovereign, I trust that He will show me exactly what I need for the
requests I made.
I am sure it is the promises of…
James 1:5
5 If any of you lacks
wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault,
and it will be given to you.
and…
Matthew 11:28
28 “Come to me, all
you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon
you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find
rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
and…
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious
about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which
transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus.
that taking the time to be still and listen is why I feel
more organized and focused in my thinking, my body has the strength and energy needed
for the day, and my spirit is at peace.
Resting in Him,
Sue
