Quietness
May 5, 2009
I’ve been thinking about being quiet before God.
God desires to talk with us in the quietness of our own heart through His Spirit, who is in us. Though often it’s hard to quiet our own hearts in order to hear him.
“When I first listen to my heart, what I often hear is the language and clatter of my old ‘lovers’ and not much else. There seems to be no stillness or rest. If I try to hold still, my hearts reacts like a
feather in the afternoon breeze,
flitting from place toplace without purpose or direction…
Theologians refer to this condition as ‘ontonological lightness,’ the reality that when I stop ‘doing’ and simply listen to my heart, I am not anchored to anything substantive. I become aware that my very identity is synonymous with activity” (Sacred Romance, p.163).
John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
If I am not abiding in Jesus, then where is it that I abide?
Where do I go in my head when I am tired or anxious?
John 15, The Message
If you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon.
Jesus is saying, “I have made my home in you, Betsy. But you still have other comforters you go to. You must learn to make your home in me.”
Hmmmm…..I think that is key.
I’m still musing – please share your thoughts!!
May 5, 2009 at 10:17 pm
Betsy…John 15:5 has been on my mind and heart lately too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it—especially that question: “If I am not abiding in Jesus, then where is it that I abide?” That really makes me think. I’ll be asking God that question the next time I get my heart quiet before Him. Thanks.
May 7, 2009 at 1:48 am
Hey Betsy,
This is so true…. I’ve come to realize this same thing sometimes I don’t allow myself to slow down enough to hear God say “I want you all to myself and to abide in me only for your life”. I find it very comforting though that the more I stop and stand still and listen to Him the more I desire Him. This is an awesome thing and helps me see that He is always there for me and I can abide in Him and the more I do the more I desire it.