One practice that has been helpful in my spiritual life in the past few years is to increasingly pause in the multitude of my thoughts and anxieties, and ask, “God, what do you want to say to me right now?”
“Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.” (Isa 55:3 ESV)
It’s a discipline that I’m growing in. It is not independent of God’s Word, but flows out of it, as God applies it to my specific situation and thoughts. That’s why consistent study and growth in God’s Word bears so much fruit, even if it doesn’t seem to be relevant at the moment of study or learning.
Richard Foster, in his book, Celebration of Discipline, talks about the practice of meditating on Scripture. He writes, “Whereas the study of Scripture centers on exegesis [interpreting the text], the meditation of Scripture centers on internalizing and personalizing the passage. The written Word becomes a living word addressed to you.”
I think of this Scripture:
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16 ESV)
As I talk to my girls about situations they are experiencing, I’m trying to teach them to listen for God’s voice too.
“God speaks to you? What does He sounds like?” they ask.
“He speaks to me through His Word and through the Holy Spirit that lives in me and you, but you have to practice listening to Him. I’ll pray that He speaks to you too.”
After encouraging one of my daughters to pray about a situation recently, she excitedly recounted later that God had given her a picture of a particularly truth that comforted her.
I can think of no greater comfort I could offer anyone.
❤️
Today’s screensaver from Isaiah 55:3. I didn’t have time to get the Spanish version, but I’ll try to add one soon (drop me a line if you’re interested)! You can click on the image below and save it to your phone.
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