Sometimes, it is so hard for me to just sit and focus, find a place where I can be quiet with God and with myself. Allow my thoughts to run, allow my creativity to flow and allow God to connect with me. But then, I am reminded that I should not let the noise of the World keep me from hearing the voice of God. Today, I really want to encourage each of us, to dig deep within. Find a place where you can be still and connect with God. Find a place where you are able to block out the noise of everyday life, struggles and challenges. Find a place where it is just you and your Father. Write Down what comes to you and make a promise to yourself to try to do this again daily or as often as you can. Allow yourself to be fully present in that moment and receive what the Father has for you. Sometimes, it may just be a lesson in learning to be still in front of Him.
Life is busy and life is hard. The opinions of others often affect us even when we think they don’t. This is why it is so important to make a personal decision and promise to yourself to block out the noise – meaning, do not let the opinions of others affect your path. Stop comparing yourself to your friends, family and neighbors. Each flower blooms differently, is unique and beautiful. However, as important as it is to block out the noise and focus, it is equally or even more important to forgive those that have hurt you, stopped you from focusing, been opinionated and have not had your best interests at heart. Forgive them, and when you sit with God, you will sit as a version of yourself that is more susceptible to hearing the words that he is speaking to you.
“Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us.”
Ephesians 3:20
I am a very strategic person. I like things done in a specific way and order. So, when it comes to finding time to be still in front of God and “block out any unwanted noise and thoughts”, I really struggle. What has helped me to focus, is actually putting on worship in the background to break the silence. Yes, that may sound contradictory to what I have been saying above, but the method to my madness is that silence too can be so loud. When I put worship on, it allows me to go to a place where other thoughts don’t penetrate my mind – where I am able to focus fully on God, being still in front of Him, talking to Him and listening, waiting on Him to speak to me. Find what works for you, it may be worship, it may be complete silence. It may be the sounds of the ocean waves rolling in. Whatever it is, use it to block out the noise of everyday life and fully focus in that moment on your spiritual needs.
I want to leave you with two scriptures today: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29.13 and my all time favourite – “Be still and know that I am God.” Proverbs 46:10
