I was reading through the book of Habakkuk today while the girls (yes both of them) took a nap. I noticed how enjoyable the silence was even before I started into my scripture reading. As I finished reading Habakkuk (not a long book!) I looked over at a devotional in my Bible called "In Awe of God". It spoke about the fact that we really do live in such a noisy world. Think about it; even if you were to totally quiet your home as much as you thought you could, just sit and listen. Even now as I sit in 'silence' I can still hear a distant train blowing it's whistle as it drives through town; the scritches and scratches of pants buttons as they rub across the inside of our dryer while it runs.
I've been asking God so much lately for direction and clarity and wisdom. At the same time I feel like I've been running at full speed, with no time to slow down or get quiet. I am grateful for that opportunity today. I know that with what God is calling our family to do, I cannot afford to miss times of just sitting at the feet of my Father in silence, soaking in His presence, and allowing Him to speak to me and reveal to me the condition of my heart.
And what a wonderful thing it is too. Just like the best conversation you've ever had with a good friend or spouse, that back and forth, natural exchange, is something I notice takes place when we just sit in silence at Jesus' feet. To tell Him everything He is to us, to lavish Him with thanks and praise, and in turn He tells us who we are to Him, what He thinks about us. We are able to bring to him our deepest worries and concerns and hurts; through that same silence He is able to strengthen us to do what He's called us to do! And really for me, there is such a sense of awe as I think about who He is, what He's done, and what He's capable of still doing.
I love the following passage from this devotion...
"...we need not fear silence if we have a relationship with God. Silence can inspire a sense of awe at God's presence within us. The half hour of silence in heaven before the great trumpet blasts (Revelation 8:1) or the pause in Handel's Messiah just before the final "Hallelujah!" of the "Hallelujah Chorus," are both moments of silence that allow us to center our attention and prepare for what will come next. Silence in our time with God helps us to focus on Him and prepares us for what he is about to do. Such silence becomes a resting time, a time for renewing strength: "In quietness and trust is your strength" (Isaiah 30:15)"~(taken from the Spiritual Renewal Bible NIV)
Oh Father thank you for meeting with me today. Thank you for the strength and perserverence you give me even just through the gift of silence, and how you have spoken through my heart during this time. That you make me sure-footed as a deer in order to go on the heights (Habakkuk 3:19).
As I end this posting today, I will list all the things that come to mind about my Father as I continue to sit in silence.....
Faithful
Trustworthy
Loving
Strong
Everlasting
Beautiful
Glorious
Majesty
The beginning and the end
Righteous
Unfailing
Merciful
Forgiving
My heavenly Daddy
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2 comments:
That was good, Cindy! Thanks for sharing! Sorry I never wrote you or called you or anything after we talked that one night. I will do that here soon. Thank you for talking to me and praying for me and just being there when I needed someone. You have such a pure heart! Love you, sister!
First what a creative blog page you've created ~ first class. In response to the word..... I could'nt have ask for a more accurate word from Pappa. This week my head, heart, and spirit were overwhelmed from time to time. I used the commute time praying that father would help me to remember who I am. To speak into the hectic pace and help me to ground myself in him alone. Several times I heard the word... Be Still and Know that I am God or Shine. I think I'll go to the woods and be alone with Jesus
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