Decision #2 Being Still (Silence)

One worthy pursuit many leaders have, including myself is to develop a better relationship with God.  Today I continue some thoughts from Chuck Swindoll’s book, “Intimacy with the Almighty”.  The first decision to make is to Re-order my private world, which requires the discipline of simplicity. This second decision to develop a better relationship with God is to be still.  This requires the discipline of Silence.

Here are some different versions of Psalm 46:10…

“Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God.”

“Cease striving and know that I am God.”

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

We are commanded to stop.  Rest.  Relax.  Let go and make time for Him. We can’t move toward deeper intimate relationship without determined, intentional times of stillness, silence and quietness. Here is what I’ve realized:

Nobody can do something about my busyness but me!

But, isn’t it is easy to get sucked into the black hole of activities? The result is what Swindoll calls “fast talk”, resulting in shallow relationships, no time for family or for one another, and no time for intimacy, communication and listening. He suggests deliberately saying “No” more often.  If I wait for circumstances to change and things to slow down, life will continue to deteriorate.

Swindoll adds, “God does not speak to the hurried, worried mind. It takes time alone with Him and His Word before we can expect our spiritual strength to recover.”

What do you need to say “No” to, so you can say “Yes!” to a better relationship with God?

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Decision #1 Re-order my Private World (Simplicity)

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