Psalm 5:3 (NKJV)
“My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up.”
Have you ever launched a lengthy search for answers to what you think is a simple question only to come up empty handed? Maybe the more you dig into a research project the less information that you find? How about just pursuing what you think is the best path to take in your life, but you can’t seem to see where you are going?
Life is filled with all these types of moments where what we thought was simple turns into a complicated situation or we can’t see what to do. When this happens we have to find a place to start before we just give up without trying. Some of us know too well what this is like and can always find a reason to run away from even the smallest challenge.
What I am talking about has been referred to in many different ways. Some people call it doing a self-reflection, a personal evaluation, or even a life goal assessment. I bet that if we all put our heads together we could come up with a long list of metaphors to describe what this is. But no matter what you call it, it is something that needs to be done.
Something else to consider is that you not only do this if you are looking for answers, but even to see if there is anything you can improve on in your life right now. Either way you go can be an interesting journey of self-discovery. I have done both throughout my life and have found both success and failure with this process. How about you?
We can all have moments in life where we get comfortable without even realizing we are getting stuck in a rut. Time just passes and we don’t really push for anything better. Those dreams that we had get covered in dust or everything just builds up around us till the shadows overtake us and it feels like we are surrounded by darkness.
Whether you are just sitting around waiting for answers to magically appear or know that you can be doing so much more, the time to act is now. It’s time to dust off those dreams or stand up and walk out of the darkness into the light. Close your eyes and take a deep breathe. Let your mind open up to the possibilities that can be found.
Now, take time every day to look at what is going on in your life. The good, the bad, and the everything in between. If it’s good, then be thankful and see if there is anything you can do to make it even better. If it’s bad, look for what you can change it or eliminate it completely if you can. Write is down if you have to and start making a plan.
Some people meditate while they reflect, but I include prayer as well. I take the time to give thanks to the Lord for all he has given me and talk to Him about everything that I am going through. As I do this, I ask the questions that I am looking for the answers to and have received many interesting responses over the years.
This is what Jesus told us to do in Matthew 21:22, “And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” But part of his advice is believing. We have to believe in our hearts that what ever we are asking will be received. It does not matter if you are asking for strength while you navigate a difficult situation, healing in the time of illness, or just clarity on which path to take.
When we do this, answers may present themselves right away or sometimes we may hear nothing. When it is quiet or we don’t seem to be getting the answers we are looking for, it is too easy to get discouraged. Sometimes we need patience until we see our options or may have to go back and look at the questions we are asking.
In James 4:3 we are reminded that, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” What we are asking for may be selfish or completely off track. The best example is that is used is that all your problems will be solved by praying to win money. This is a stretch even if you don’t try to get God involved.
At these times when we think we hear silence, we could be getting an answer that we don’t want to accept especially if we are asked to do our part. The Lord may have plans for us, but we may not be ready for them. This is where that reflection and prayer should be helping us to identify anything that could be holding us back.
There are so many things we may find from out of control emotions to bad habits that can prevent us from hearing the Spirit as it speaks to us. It is up to each one of us to work on anything that we are being shown. Many times this is not easy and may require us to ask the Lord for the strength to fix these areas of our lives.
We again find assurances from Jesus in John 15:7, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” Keep talking to the Lord about everything that is going on in your life. Ask for the guidance you are looking for and the things that you need and He will be there with you all along the way.
So, listen carefully for what God is telling us and remember that even in the silence there are answers. But do not get discouraged as we remain patient and make sure we are accepting the answers we are being given. As you continue to do this with an open heart and mind, you can also enjoy, “Be Still and Listen For My Voice.”
BE STILL AND LISTEN FOR MY VOICE
Lord, every day in the morning I try to dedicate the day to you,
I am thankful for the chance to talk about what I am going through.
Too many times in the silence I can only hear the noise of the world,
Questions remain tightly wrapped with no answers being unfurled.
Then the peace of the moment can swing very quickly into confusion,
With some strong beliefs being shaken and turning slowly to disillusion.
Even though silence is said to be golden it can let my mind stray from thee,
I cannot help but wonder, when will I hear Your Spirit talking to me?
My child, you must have patience as you await the answers you seek,
There are many things that get requested and every situation is unique.
Search your heart fore there are many things that you need to ensure,
Is there anything you need to do first and are your intentions pure?
If you are being selfish or avoiding those things that you can do,
Then help may be slow to come and the answers you’re seeking few.
Return with me to where you started and know that you have a choice,
You can continue to rely on the world or Be Still and Listen For My Voice.
Simple Faith Christian
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Simple Faith Christian 