Yesterday at my prayer group, we had a missionary join us from Albania. I’m intrigued by people who commit their life to missions across the world, so I asked her lots of questions before we got started. One of my questions was, “Where do you feel the presence of God more, here in America or in Albania?” I was curious because I’ve heard that God seems more present in third world countries than He does in America.
“In Albania.” She said and smiled, “Not that He’s not present here, because He is.”
“Do you think that’s because of all the distractions we have here?”
“Yeah! Even my cell phone has static here and it’s clear in Albania.”
I heard her comment loud and clear, like God was talking straight to me. So that’s why I don’t hear from God sometimes. My busy thoughts are like static, distracting me from hearing God’s voice. His line of communication is open and He wants to get through to me. I ask God for wisdom and direction often and try listening. In the silence I hear,
“Pay for Hannah’s dance pictures tonight at class. Send utility bill today. Don’t forget trash bags and bread at the store. Call Donna back this afternoon. Start thinking of Mother’s Day gift ideas. Do writing assignment. Return library books.”
He answers me but I hear static. I can just hear God patiently repeating, “Can you hear me now?” like the guy from the Verizon commercial.
“No, I can’t hear you God. I’m busy thinking and planning my day. I’m not really listening.”
My problem is my one-sided prayers. And I should know better because I’ve had special times, even seasons, of hearing from God in the silence and treasure those times. But for some reason lately I say,”God, I’m here. I want to hear your voice and know your will,” and then I struggle being quiet. My mind is busy while my body is still.
I thankful for this fresh reminder that I’m still learning how to “Be still and know that He is God.” Psalm 46:10
My heart longs for simplicity in a fast paced world. It’s true, in America, we are blessed with so much. However with blessings comes… more responsibilities, more choices, more stuff. More static! Sometimes I want to leave all my stuff and go where I have nothing but God. I want a clear signal and no static.
1 Kings 19:12 reminds me that God’s voice is a gentle whisper. But how can I hear His voice when I’ve got all this racket going on in my head?
You have a special gift Tiffany. I am confident God will use your insight to speak through your parables a word of encouragement for those that need it. I am proud of you, and more importantly proud of your commitment to the calling God has laid on your heart. May all of us have the courage to take action on our calling.
Thanks for this post, Tiffany. It really speaks to me tonight, after a busy week (month? year?) I miss the extended periods of quiet when I don’t take the time for them. I miss focusing on the Lord.
This week I wanted to praise Him more, to think about Him more, but I just felt kind-a empty and tired and stressed. I took some time to read the Psalms aloud and let my praise be intertwined with the psalmists. It really blessed me. I need those quiet times when I get my busy, static filled mind off myself and my stresses and onto Him. Bless you!
Tiffany:
The month of May is so busy and distracting for me. I’m struggling to keep my commitment to try and pray every day as I get up and start my day and feel as if I am already on a treadmill of “to do’s”. Thanks for the reminder to slow down and be intentional about listening. God is ALWAYS speaking. I’m just not always listening!!
tiffany, I really am moved by this obviously apparent truth, thanks for the reminder of being silent with the Lord…Thadley
Oh man…..EXACTLY how I feel!! Thank You for your humbleness and words of encouragment!!! Too much static in the line of my mind and here I thought I only had static on my clothes and hair!! HA!! Insightful!!
This message certainly hit home for me! I pray and so very much want to hear God’s answer… I am really trying to trust Him for guidance and comfort in my life. But I too am so easily distracted and sometimes so very impatient wanting an answer now and not wanting to wait…I wonder if I will even know His voice when He answers my prayer? Thank you for sharing. I don’t feel alone in my struggle to be still.