Following on from Peter’s post, encouraging us to sit and rest, Hazel introduces the idea of finding God in the silent moments.
Silence
I recently read the book ‘Silence’ by Joanna Nyland. Together with the theme in my recent daily readings it has encouraged me to think about how God calls us sometimes to find and meditate on Him in silence. I love reading passages about Bible characters being in the calm and silent moments, waiting on the Lord, although it can be challenging, and we do have to train ourselves.
I felt led to write a poem on the processes God may take us through as we come into silence. With us hopefully enjoying a slower pace of life and some ‘me time’ through the summer holidays, I wonder if this could also be an actively ‘finding God time’, using a more meditative approach and searching out silence.
Finding God in Silence
Silence opens up our soul
It may mirror our anxieties,
but let manipulation of others finish
and egos diminish
to let God’s grace envelop, develop and grow.
Memories of being silenced and repressed and injustices and sin can come rushing in and the pain of conflicting voices crowd around, so our spirits are heavy and bowed down.
Now, let forgiveness retrain the brain and spirit.
Courage is needed to search emotions and ideas to allow the overwhelming to become calming, to still the mind and banish fears.
Wait for blood pressure to drop,
stress dissipate
and the balm of silence
become a catalyst for calm.
Silence is ever present,
it can be entered into night and day.
Time and pace flow differently,
a freedom of thought and worship,
guiding us on our way.
God will reveal Himself in silence,
it is His first language.
It is a meeting place of sacredness.
a blessedness, more room for His presence .
Be still and hear what He has to say.
Use attentive listening communally and privately, Let our idle words stop and depart.
Listen expectantly in your mind,
prepare respectfully in your heart
for our loving creator and nourisher,
seeing and being, as we become His co-workers.
Let creative thoughts, prayer and problem solving flow.
Search the solitude to bring peace and harmony and let our emotional and spiritual daily lives grow.
Embrace being in the presence,
know, but let go of what has been,
eagerly wonder,
ready for miracles and what is to be
and what will be seen.
Bible verses to meditate on
God does speak loudly but at many times He speaks ‘in the still small voice of calm’. The word of The Lord came to a despondent Elijah tenderly. God lovingly speaks to us as we need.
1Kings 19: 11-13.
Zechariah 2: 13
Be silent all flesh, before The Lord, for He has aroused himself from His holy dwelling.
Psalm 62:5
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence for my hope is from Him.
Job6:24
Teach me and I will be silent; make me understand how I have gone astray.
Exodus 14:14
The Lord will fight for you and you have only to be silent.
Hope you are enjoying the holidays and can find a small space of calm and silence. Many blessings,
Hazel
Thank you Hazel.
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