In the hustle and bustle of our busy lives, it's easy to get swept up in a whirlwind of activities, responsibilities, and distractions. Even in the Summer months, we can often find ourselves rushing from one task to another, leaving little room for moments of quiet reflection. Yet, as Christians, we are called to something different—something deeper. We are called to linger and listen with the Lord.
Scripture invites us to slow down and dwell in the presence of God. One of the most profound invitations comes from Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am God." This verse encourages us to pause and recognize the sovereignty and presence of our Creator. It’s an invitation to set aside our anxieties and distractions and to find peace in His presence.
Jesus Himself modeled this practice. In Mark 1:35, we read, "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." Jesus, amid His demanding ministry, knew the importance of withdrawing to spend quiet time with the Father. If the Son of God needed to linger and listen, how much more do we?
When we take time to linger in God's presence, we give space for the Holy Spirit to unfold our hearts and untangle our thoughts. In stillness, we are able to hear His gentle whispers, sense His direction, and feel His comforting embrace. This practice can transform our spiritual lives in several ways:
1. Deepened Relationships: Just as human relationships grow through quality time and attentive listening, our relationship with God deepens when we spend undistracted time in His presence.
2. Renewed Strength: Isaiah 40:31 promises, "But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Waiting on the Lord rejuvenates our spirit and empowers us for the journey ahead.
3. Inner Peace: In the chaos of life, God's presence is our refuge. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to bring everything to God in prayer, promising that His peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds.
You know I like to be practical, so here are some tips for ya:
1. Create a Sacred Space: Not everyone can designate a specific spot in the house and that's okay. The important thing is to seek a quiet space free from distractions, allowing you to focus entirely on God. I have favorite spots on my porch, my backyard, but sometimes the only private space (hello Mom & Wife Life) I have on some days is in the car or outside of the house. I may run errands and let them know I will be out for a time. This is one of the main reasons I choose to wake up before everyone else and almost have an almost guaranteed quiet. But for me, while I wake up and worship and pray, I may need to study later in the morning/day...God is not tapping His foot at us. He is simply eager to see you and talk to you, our sweet Father nd Friend.
2. Start with Worship: Begin your time with worship and reading your Bible. Worship is more than a song, its a position of seeking and adoration. We worship in song, prayer, and readying His Word. Let His heart consume yours and let His words wash over you. Then meditate on them and allow His heart to renew your mind and give you peace, strength, joy.
3. Linger and Listen: As you spend time in prayerful worship, sharing your thoughts, concerns, and praises with God, sit quietly, inviting Him to speak to your heart as you listen. Lean in to the Divine stillness. So often we pray all the things in adoration and asking but we quickly run off to our day's activities, without waiting to hear from God. Let's practice lingering and listening.
4. Journal Your Journey: I am not a traditional Journaler. I take notes and have journals, yes, but honestly, these blogs re my form of journaling. When The Lord pours in to my heart, I usually hop in here and blog it out or do a Live in the socials and share in hopes the moment I have gleaned specs to someone else too. So no matter how you document, keep a journal to record your thoughts, prayers, and any insights you receive. This can help you track your spiritual growth and remember God's faithfulness.
5. Pure Environment: What we allow our eyes to see, ears to hear and heart to connect to, matters greatly. We are shaped by our surroundings. While we cannot control what happens outside of our home, we have control within our homes. The friends, mentors, entertainment, music, social medias, all matter. Guarding your environment will mean creating boundaries around these areas of your life. Not everyone in your house may agree to them, but for you and your heart, do what you are abele to.
If lingering and listening with the Lord is not a regular part of your routine, today is a perfect day to begin. Start small, perhaps with just five or ten minutes, and gradually extend your time as you grow more comfortable in His presence. Remember, it's never about perfection but about the posture of your heart.
As you make this practice a priority, you will find that your relationship with God becomes more intimate and your life more grounded in His peace and purpose for you. So, take a deep breath, find your quiet place, and embrace the divine stillness. Linger a little longer, listen a little deeper, and let the Lord transform your heart and mind.
Blessings as you linger and listen with the Lord.
So much love,
Michele
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Heart Hugs and Blessings,
Michele
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