Hearing God's Voice This Weekend

Pascal wrote, "I have discovered that all the unhappiness of men arises from one single fact, that they cannot stay quietly in their own chamber."

As we head into the weekend—which for many of us is even busier than our busy workweek—try to carve out a little time to be quiet and alone with God. Even if you can’t find time to take a walk in a quiet place or soak in the tub, drench whatever you are doing in quiet. For example, if you are traveling, use the time trapped in the car or plane to get quiet. Don’t turn on the radio or iPod or open your book. Don’t do anything. Or, as you do the yardwork or clean out the garage, don’t focus on how awful the chore is or on making mental lists of all the other things you need to accomplish. Instead, think about what God has done for you this week or what you have learned from your Bible reading his week. Try to keep your mind peacefully focused on the God who is bigger than all your little (and big) worries.

"Only silence will allow us life-transforming concentration upon God. It allows us to hear the gentle God whose only Son ‘shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice above the street noise.’ (Matthew. 12:19) It is this God who tells us that ‘in quietness and trust is your strength.’" (Isaiah 30:15). (Quote from Dallas Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines).