Practicing Stillness: How to Hear God's Voice in the Silence
“12After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.” - 1 Kings 19: 12-13
In our busy lives, we often find ourselves in a constant state of noise, with our minds and hearts always racing. But if we want to hear God's voice, we need to learn to practice stillness. As we see in 1 Kings 19:12-13, Elijah hears God's voice not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in the stillness.
The first question we must ask ourselves is: What does it mean to practice stillness? Practicing stillness means taking intentional time to quiet our minds and hearts, and to be fully present in the moment. It means creating a space for God to speak to us, without the distractions of our daily lives. This can be done through practices like meditation, prayer, or simply sitting in silence.
The second question we must ask ourselves is: Why is it important to practice stillness? Practicing stillness is important because it allows us to connect with God in a deeper way. When we are constantly surrounded by noise and distractions, it can be difficult to hear God's voice. But when we take intentional time to practice stillness, we create a space for God to speak to us. It also allows us to be more present in our daily lives, and to approach situations with greater clarity and focus.
The third question we must ask ourselves is: How can we practice stillness in our daily lives? There are many ways to practice stillness, and it will look different for each person. Some may choose to practice meditation or mindfulness, while others may find solace in prayer or journaling. The key is to find a practice that works for you and to make it a consistent part of your daily routine.
Today’s challenge…As followers of Christ, we are called to listen to God's voice and follow His lead. But in order to do that, we must learn to practice stillness. I challenge you to take intentional time each day to be still and listen for God's voice. Whether it's for five minutes or an hour, create a space for God to speak to you. It may be uncomfortable at first, but as you continue to practice stillness, you will find that it becomes easier and more natural.
Warriors…the world is a noisy place, The world will tell you to be busy, but God will tell you to be still. Don't let the noise of the world drown out the voice of God. Take intentional time to practice stillness, and listen for His voice.