This past Sunday we studied how Jesus often went to a deserted place to pray by himself. The Scriptures remind us of our need for solitude. Our need to slow down. Our need to rest in God.
Easier said than done, right?
I find the words of Psalm 62 to be inspiring.
“For God alone my soul waits in silence…Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.”
-Psalm 62:1 and 5
How often do we sit in silence before God? What does it look like to wait quietly before God?
In the high speed, jam packed world that we live in we need to be intentional about creating space to wait before God.
In my sermon on Sunday, I encouraged you to find five minutes a day to pray to God. Simply go before God and say, “God, I’m listening. Please speak to me.” I hope this becomes a daily habit for you.
Here are a couple of additional practical ways to try “waiting before God” this week:
1. Have an “electronics free” day. This may be especially helpful if you have teenagers at home. Choose one day where you do not use your cell phone, computer or tv. Instead, fill your time with reading books, going for walks, prayer with God and conversations with family.
2. Schedule a weekend retreat. Find a mountain cabin or a beach getaway and immerse yourself in nature. Learn to marvel at all of God’s creation. Getting a couple of days away from the busy day-to-day schedule can make a world of difference.
3. Journal. Capture your thoughts and feelings through writing. It can be helpful to journal about a specific topic. For instance, journal about a current stressor in your life. Or about an area for which you are grateful. Or an area you are seeking God’s guidance. Try writing your journal as a prayer to God.
I hope you experiment with these forms of “waiting” throughout this season of Lent.
See you on Sunday!
-Pastor David
