Be Still...

"When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized, too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: 'You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased'." Luke 3: 21-22 (NIV)

"Be still, and know that I am God..." Psalm 46:10

Prayer opens heaven and allows us to enter the throne room of God, the Creator of heaven and earth and all living things. After being baptized, Jesus returned from the Jordan River and was led by the Spirit into the desert- a place of solitude- where he fasted and prayed forty days (Luke 4: 1-13). The desert was also a place of temptation, and Jesus responded with the Word of God!

Solitude with God is necessary for a full and healthy spiritual life.  We are constantly flooded by words and noise generated by our culture and environment. These very distractions prevent us from being attentive to the still, small voice of God. As Jesus was being led into the wilderness, he could still hear God's voice "...my Son...with you I am well pleased" ringing in his ears.

Growth into a more mature faith will summon us to periods of solitude and silence where one waits in the quiet presence of God to hear His voice. It is these times that strengthen our soul.

Identify a place of solitude. Enter this area in silence, and think of yourself in the wilderness for forty days. Meditate on the LORD and all His loving kindness to you. Allow the Presence of God to surround you, to love on you, and to heal your weary heart. Call to your remembrance all of God's promises and allow them to encourage you. Then, sit very still and quiet, blocking out all distractions, and allow the sweet voice of God speak to your spirit...Spirit to spirit. Avoid the temptation to rush, and to allow a parade of thoughts to interfere. Finally, approach the throne of grace with confidence, to receive mercy and find grace to help in your time of need (Heb. 4:16).


I love your praying heart!
Bobbye