Practicing Nothing

"A Quaker woman inquired of a young man, 'Hast thou heard God speak lately?' 'No,' said the young man. 'Then thou hast forgotten to be still,' said the woman. 'Stop... and know...' says the Scripture (Psalm 46:10)" - Selwyn Hughes

It's amazing just how hard this is to do. In today's fast pace, microwave society we have lost the art of being still and listening to God. 

I've felt a bit lost recently as to the direction I should be heading toward. I'm very much a planner and goal setter, so this season of my life has been difficult for me. I am doing what I know I should, but I almost need something to look forward to - besides for eternity. Yes, I'm looking forward to being finally perfected on day, but I'd like a little more vision of the journey there.

I then realized that I haven't been taking the time to really stop and listen to God. My prayer times are full of requests for others and guidance, but as soon as I stop and try to listen, my mind starts "planning". Now, this would be great if it were from God, but I know it's not. It's me wishing and scheming. 

While trying desperately to listen and be still today... and admittedly planning and scheming how to do just that.... God gave me a bit of a mental picture: Have you ever had coffee with someone where you couldn't get a word in edgewise? It actually gets funny after a while as they continue on...and on. Then, when there is a brief silence, they start back up again- like they just can't take it. (Yes, I've found myself on both sides of that coffee table in the past.) That's just what I felt God was saying it was like with me. As soon as I actually tried to listen to Him, and as He was preparing to day just the right thing, I start back up chattering again, uncomfortable with the silence.

So I'm going to be practicing saying nothing. I'm going to try just listening. That's not to say I'm not praying for others - I am - but I plan on spending much more time in silence.

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