Silence...

Why are we so uncomfortable with silence?

Our lives are surrounded by noise. We seem to fill every moment of every day with some kind of activity. Even during our down time we watch tv, listen to our iPods or have the stereo on. Do we ever take time in silence to "listen" to God? Does your schedule, the way you spend your time, the way you live your life look like someone who wants to hear from God?

You are in control of your priorities. If you chose to fill your life with noise and not make time for God that is your choice. But in Matthew 5:14 Jesus calls us to be a "city on a hill" and a "light to the world". That light can't shine if it isn't plugged in to the light source! We can accomplish a lot for ourselves but if we leave God out our efforts are pointless.

God wants you to grab the remote control of your life and shut the busyness off. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God!" We need to be silent before God and listen to what He is trying to tell us. He will point out those things in our life that offend Him, Psalm 139:24, yet verse 17 tells us that His thoughts about us are "precious". He loves us! He wants to restore, refresh and renew our relationship with Him! He wants to encourage and strengthen us!

I have Matthew 6:33 tattooed on my arm but do I remember to live it? We add all this stress to our lives trying to do so much on our own when Jesus told us that worry won't accomplish anything. We should be focused on Him and He will make everything else fall into place. Why do we fill our schedule with so much busyness and noise and worry and stress when all it does is sap our strength?

I challenge you this week to spend time alone with God every day. Try turning everything off and allow God to speak through the silence. Good communication is essential in any relationship, and that involves listening as well as speaking. Don't be uncomfortable with the silence. Quiet your heart and really listen to what God is saying to you.

Be blessed,
Steve