There is nothing like a blank page and an empty canvas to start over and rewrite a new subject matter that is close to your heart. I have to admit to you today that my life has been busy and, often times, very distracting from the One that matters most, Jesus Christ. It’s amazing to me how many interruptions happen in life and how many things come along that get us off of our “game.” The noise quickly drowns out the voice of The Lord and if you are anything like me, you are left in a quandary of what to think and how to operate. There is little effective spiritual direction, because it comes from self.
Today, I came to Jesus with a blank slate. I simply came to listen to what He had to say and speak into my life. My day was filled with meditation, thought, listening, praying, reading the Scriptures, and I have come back to the conclusion that without God and being distracted away from Him, life can get thoroughly and already is ugly. I have looked at what my life has produced without Him and it is filled with the flesh and little positive effects. It does hurt to see and understand this reality, but how much more beneficial is it to God and to us to take time to stop, listen, and allow Him to purge the garbage out. I think we need more Godly awareness in our lives, at least I know that I do.
I would challenge us today to think about how much noise is filling our hearts. Often times, we are not practicing the art of listening and simply waiting on the edge of our seats to speak the next thing. I don’t want to add to the noise. When my life is filled with noise and I contribute, this is the only thing that is coming out! I want the things that I say to come from a heart that is passionate to listening to God and to people. Everyone has a story to share and I think that when we slow down and listen, we can understand perspectives better, including the heartbeat of God for our lives!
We might get worried or scared about what will be revealed and uncovered before our own eyes. I think, though, it is better to be aware of it then not know what is going on inside. Ignorance, in this case, isn’t bliss. God is already aware of what is happening in our lives, we simply need to be awakened to His reality for us. Take time this week to quiet yourself down, open yourself up, and watch what God wants to speak to you about. The end result is Him producing in you more of Himself. He wants to, after all, present us as holy, blameless, and above all reproach to His Father. He’s invested and He cares. More importantly, He loves! How will you respond to this reality?
For the Kingdom, Jay
