(Disclaimer: God can speak whenever and however he chooses, but I would say the best place to host the Spirit of God if we want to hear Him speak is to be in silence.)
This is such an interesting concept because whenever I think about listening to something, I think about how there is an assumption within the definition of listening. I guess the assumption would be that when we listen, we need to be hearing something; there needs to be physical sound frequencies entering into our ears canal's. After reading this and thinking about it a lot, that is not the way to listen to God. Just as Tozer stated and as it says in Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God." The way to start listening to God is to be quiet. When I have a conversation with a person, just as it is with God, to hear them speak I must not be speaking or listening to anything else.
Let us listen to the God of all sound by closing our mouths, shutting our ears, and opening our hearts.
Well put.
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more... I think listening is the most important thing anyone can learn. Truly listening shows we value, value shows love. I just think if we listen more with our heart rather than our ears, it will be a movement to healthier, more loving, and Spirit filled relationships. Love this idea of us learning to listen and and slow to speak. Will be exciting to see how its changed us and our relationships by the end of all this.
ReplyDeleteYeah!!! Secret place lifestyle! That's the foundation of a revivalist! Nick I'm so glad we're all walking this journey together. I know God has been working in you for a long time (try...since before all creation??!). Be encouraged that Jesus loves his quiet time with you. Or rather, he loves when you are quiet before him!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, and get ready, revival is coming!
Amanda
thanks for the reminder nick!
ReplyDeletemay we be consumed by the goodness of God's presence in our lives, that His voice resonates to the deepest parts of us and silences the distractions we face!
"Let us listen to the God of all sound by closing our mouths, shutting our ears, and opening our hearts." This is perfect!
ReplyDeletereading your post reminded me of something i have experienced a few times in my life... some of the most clear messages i have heard from God have been when i have gone to church and opened my heart to what i thought would have been the lesson planned and spoken through the pastor but as i sit there in silence i got a EAR full of thoughts from God.
ReplyDeleteit's like when i'm finally silent and ready he's like "OKAY, TAKE NOTES, IVE BEEN TRYING TO GET A HOLD OF YOU." he is so faithful, when i am so not.
Thanks you, all these comments make me realize I am so glad we are all in this together
ReplyDeleteReally great thought, Nick.
ReplyDeleteHey Nick. Thanks for this. Sometimes it is so hard to just be quiet in this culture that seems like is always go, go GO with no rest at moments. It feels like so much of our alone time is filled with worries of the future and what we need to do next or just our consumption with technology like ipods and our phones..not a lot of time of quiet solitude. I think just sitting in silence and reflecting on who God is and what he wants us to do for Him would make our lives easier and help us think better. Thanks for this entry. Wake up call time. haha
ReplyDeleteLove it
ReplyDeletebeautiful. I need some of this closed ears and open mouth and heart.
ReplyDelete