Psalm 131:2
"But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me."
"But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me."
Jesus is our teacher and model. One thing He models in the gospels is His need to be silent. As you walk through Galilee and Judea with Jesus in the gospel stories, you may notice how often He finds quiet places. This is essential for us if we are going to be transformed into Christlikeness. God spoke through David the great warrior poet and told us to "be still and know I am God." (Psalm 46:10)
So our experiment this week is to be still and silent.
Experiment 001: Turn off the noise.
Almost all of us travel to work during the week. Most likely we are listening to the radio, CDs or the famous iPod. Maybe it's sports radio, NPR, right-wing talk, country music, kidd kradick, rap music, praise & worship, or a sermon. One thing i've discovered over the past 2 years, is our cars, trucks, SUVs and vans turn out to be unique opportunities for silence. Our drive to work doesn't have to be a race, it can be a rest. So, i am proposing that one morning this week we turn off the noise as we journey to work. This may mean 10 minutes or 45 minutes, it doesn't matter how much, it just matters that we do it.
What do i do while i am driving? i have two suggestions. meditate on one of your favorite scripture verses, or pray for your family members & friends. One of my favorites for meditation is Psalm 23, 'the Lord is my Shepherd..." or use the verses quoted in this blog.
If you find that this special time of silence helped set your mind on Jesus then think seriously about how you can incorporate it into your weekly schedule (Luke 14:28-33). Enjoy the silence this week! Let Jesus transform you and shape you as you set aside time in your car, truck, SUV or van just for Him.
Remember please comment on your experiment this week. Let's create some community on this blog! We may not be able to see each other everyday or week, but at least we can stay in touch. Also, if you want to receive an email when a new experiment is posted please let me know by posting it in the comments section.
Seek the Kingdom,
Jon
"If we desire to have a true understanding of His gospels, we must study to conform our life as nearly as we can to His"
Thomas A Kempis
The Imitation of Christ
(Brought to you by Zach Silvers study time on Monday morning. Thanks Zach!)
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3 comments:
Consider it done. Can't wait to practice silence when the world is trying to plead its case for my soul. I'll let you know how it goes.
I'm traveling this week but tested the silence experiment. What I found was that silence makes me uncomfortable. I noticed that when I get quiet with God I fear and expect confrontation with Him, but what I find is love and peace. Last night, instead of falling asleep to ESPN, I fell asleep meditating on Psalm 19:14 - "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer."
Thanks Juan - Please put me on the list for notification emails.
Bill,
Thanks for commenting on the silence experiment this week. I think you gave us all some good insight. Silence definitely is awkward at first, but as we move further along we find a since of peace and love.
I love the fact that you turned off ESPN and meditated on Psalm 19 before you went to bed. It reminds me of Psalm 4 :3-4 "The Lord hears when I call to Him...meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still."
I got you on the email list! Much love.
Seek the Kingdom
Jon