God Doesn't Shout

God wants to speak to me. I'm often too busy to really listen. It's difficult to hear His still small voice speaking to me when my world is full of noise and distraction (internal and external). It is only when I begin to turn off the sounds (turn off the radio, turn off the cell phone, turn off the computer...) that my mind begins to slow down. The internal voices drift off and I am left with the pure sound of silence. I pray that my heart and mind will be open to hear God's calling.

"Silence is the first language of God; all else is a poor translation." ~ Thomas Merton

He said: "Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord,for the Lord is about to pass by." Now there was a great wind,so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake, and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence—and then there came a voice to him that said, "What are you doing here Elijah?" —I Kings: 19:11-13

Crooked or Straight?

"The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out." ~ Proverbs 10:9

In·teg·ri·ty
Pronunciation: \in-ˈte-grə-tē\

1. firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values
2. an unimpaired condition; soundness
3. the quality or state of being complete or undivided (wholeness)

Integrity Self-Assessment:

• Am I living in alignment with God's will? or am I living according to my selfish desires?
• Do my actions match my words, or do I say one thing and do another?
• Am I the same person in all areas of my life or do I say and do things to adapt to whatever group I am with?
• Do I keep my commitments and my word or do I make empty promises and excuses?
• Am I truly being honest with God about all my thoughts, actions and behaviors... the ones that I don't really want to share with anyone (especially God)... the thoughts of lust, self-righteous anger, jealousy, judgment or resentment?
  

LORD, I pray that when I start to walk down the wrong path and stray from what I know is right (which I often do) that you will guide me back with a firm and gentle hand.

Image taken at Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, MA

Be Still

The sermon series at my church is focusing on making space for God in our busy lives. I race through my work days with anxious anticipation of the weekend. The weekend finally arrives! My weekend begins with a fast-paced agenda. Satisfaction comes as I start to check off my 'to-do' list...now I feel productive, worthwhile, as though I'm 'doing' something good that offers a sense of accomplishment. Work and activity provide the illusion of a worthwile life...the more I work, the more I feel as though I'm being useful and of service. In order to feel better about myself, I work harder, try harder and "do" more so that I don't lose that feeling.

What is the cure for a restless mind and heart?
Where do I make space for God in my life?
When do I slow down and just rest?

If I want to know God, I need to spend time with him.

"As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God."
— Psalm 42:1

Letting go of the activities, the busyness, the distractions in my life seems at times difficult, yet it is essential if I desire to know God more fully...to experience His power and presence in my life.

Slow me down Lord that I may hear your still small voice whispering to my heart...



"Be still, and know that I am God."


"Be still, and know that I am..."


"Be still, and know that I..."


"Be still, and know that..."


"Be still, and know..."


"Be still, and..."


"Be still..."


"Be"

(Psalm 46:10) Variations on a psalm

Image taken at Great Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, Concord, MA

Decluttering the Mind

Each day, I need to review my thoughts, attitudes and actions and determine whether or not I've harmed anyone or need to make amends. When I refuse to acknowledge my part in any situation, I'm at risk of building up resentments and anger. Eventually, these will block me off from God and my fellows. A retreat leader once referred to these unresolved issues as 'tumors of unforgiveness'. Without resolution of these long-standing issues, my chances for peace and inner contentment diminish and I'm left with bitterness and a hardened heart.

In the past, the solution to anger or resentment towards a perceived offense or injury was to cut someone out of my life rather than deal with the conflict. I thought the problem would be solved by avoidance. The only treatment I've found to be effective is 'spiritual surgery'. God is the ultimate healer. I go to Him with an attitude of honesty, humility and a willingness to see the truth. If an amends is needed, I go to that person to reconcile the differences.

I'm trying to practice this in my daily life. It's not always easy to do. I enjoy being 'right' and feeling superior to others at times. When I look more deeply into these attitudes, underneath I uncover a deep sense of fear and insecurity. I ask God for tolerance of others opinions that may differ from my own. I ask for humility to see myself as I am through God's eyes. I ask for God to remove the fear of others opinions of me, the fear that I'm not enough or someone else if better or has more. I pray for an attitude of love and forgiveness for myself and others. When I live more in the Truth, I experience a greater sense of peace in my mind and heart.