I'm a teacher, so I'm used to counting backwards from five and using other tricks to get students to listen in the classroom. I often ask them to listen to me with their eyes and ears - to look at me when I'm speaking. In doing this, I'm hoping they will focus 100%, and listen to what I'm saying. (This is a pipe dream in the classroom, but it's what I'm reaching for.)
On a more personal note, there is a place where this hasn't been working for me lately. These are the times when I sit with my Bible, a pen, and a cup of coffee ready to listen to God, my Teacher. Or at least they should be.
Instead, I confess, my "quiet" times have become everything but quiet. I have not been a listening student!
For some reason, I'm still standing in front of a classroom doing all the talking. You know, "Oh Lord, please be with Janet, Julie, Jeff and Keven. Help me with this. Help me with that. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah." I know these are needs and people I pray for, but good grief! Maybe God would like to get a word in edgewise?
Sometimes, I even jump up to call someone who needs encouragement - right there in the middle of my quiet (?) time. Doesn't this mean I'm excusing myself from God, and running off to do something I consider more important?
This is not an image I am comfortable with. I want God to receive my full attention. I want my eyes, ears, mind, and heart to be set on him, especially when I'm having my devotional time!
I want more of God and less of my frenetic personality. Less chatter inside my head when I am kneeling. Less jumping up to make a phone call or refill a coffee cup. I want to become a better listener.
When I sit down in the mornings and God counts backwards from the number five, I want to be looking straight into his face and hearing what He has to say.
I want these words to apply to me: Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
Does this ever happen to you? How do you handle it?
My blogs will always be simple and a little silly, because that's the way God made me. If you wrestle with shutting off distractions during your devotional time, will you share what works for you?
Thanks for listening. I hope I will, too.
I think we all struggle with this. I read something really helpful in Joyce Meyer's book "Start your New Life Today". She said this ongoing commentary of the soul or flesh is, "I think, I want, I feel". We are always thinking, wanting, feeling but the real challenge is to turn off our thinking, wanting, feeling and just listen. Wow! I can only think of a few times when I actually did this and it usually takes me at least 30 minutes to calm down and stop thinking about myself and my worries. I think it usually a little easier for my to calm down and be quiet if I can get outside in nature (take a walk or sit under a tree). God's creation has such a peace and order about it...unlike my mind!
ReplyDeleteThis may sound crazy but sometimes I go to Starbucks or Peets so that I can be still with God. When I am at home I am always jumping up to do something I "NEED" to do.
ReplyDeleteMusic sometimes helps me to focus and it helps me to get back on track.
I write letters to God in my journal. I think I am very visual and being able to see the words helps me to not wander.
Early morning when I am still in bed is the time when I am best at being totally still and just listening.
Mom, Do not let this blog get the best of you. It is a spiritual battle. And look how far you've come! Our God is mighty to save! God wants to do great things thru you. He's doing it! Matt. 9:29 "...according to your faith it will be done to you." You have a great faith let that great faith work thru you! Do you believe He can be all powerful in you....in your dreams?
ReplyDeleteI like reading some of my own comments. They speak to me! Ha! Sometimes reading our own words can be very convicting!
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