As humans, our five senses come in very handy. Too often,
however, these same senses are a detriment to us. We spend too much time
depending on our natural abilities, which hinder us from trusting totally in
God. Too often, we are too quick to speak and to express anger; yet too slow to
listen (James 1:19). Silence, in the deepest sense,
is imperative for hearing the voice of God. We empty our self of our self – our
goals, will and desires - and we humbly wait on God.
Silence is the first step in seeking God’s will for our day
one moment at a time. We perform our required duties for the day; but as we do,
we do not make our own plans. We wait on God to reveal His direction by His
Spirit. The more silent we are, the more we are also able to really hear the
deep concerns of our Lord, our friends and our family. We listen intently
rather than with only one ear. We show more compassion and patience, because we
take the time to hear what they are saying.
As we earnestly enter our quiet place with the Lord, we sit
at His feet and learn from Him, as Mary did (Luke 10:39); we
enjoy His presence as the little children did (Matthew 19:14); and we
receive His anointing as the apostles did (Mark 6:7). We grow
more silent in our prayer time, so that we can enjoy God’s companionable
silence. Then, we are in position to better hear His direction and instruction,
and to follow the leading of His Spirit during each moment of our day.
God’s Kingdom is within us. As we follow His truth and not
our own, we walk in His Kingdom Truth. The wise listen to counsel from God’s
Word, but a fool despises God’s truth and does what is right in his/her own
eyes (Proverbs 12:15).
God will never lead us contrary to His Word; so you may not get a personal word
from God not to do something, but if it is in His Word, that is all the
direction you need. Otherwise, you miss out on God’s best for your life.
Our daily choices influence our spirituality (Proverbs
21:2). If we pursue carnality in the flesh, in the world and through satanic
venues, then our spirit weakens and we reap the results in our body, mind and
emotions as well (Proverbs 14:12). If we follow the Spirit’s
direction for each moment of our day, our spirit strengthens, which also
affects our body, mind and emotions (Proverbs 12:14). The
choice is ours to live in God’s wisdom or as a fool.
Prayer:
Father God, You designed life so that we can find
satisfaction through the fruit of our words, and You allow the consequences of
our deeds to return to us (Proverbs 12:4). That means both our kind words
and loving deeds, but also our angry words and our cruel deeds. We reap what we
sow (Proverbs 16:2). Remind us to live in love, joy, peace, patience,
gentleness, goodness, meekness, self-control and faith so that we will reap the
fruit of Your Spirit.
Thought for the Day:
Listen to Godly advice and accept a rebuke from a brother,
and in the end you will reap wisdom and truth. – Proverbs 19:20