I would like to be a hermit. I enjoy spending time alone in solitude. Even when I am with others, I dwell in a quiet place inside myself. I am a hermit of the heart. Instead of residing there alone, God continues to push me out and move me forward. My feet step out again into new territory. I meet with new people at strange locations. No matter where I go, I know God resides within me. My hermitage is the peace of knowing God.
In the silence, dwell in the hermitage of your heart…
There are so many Scripture passages that have to do with soil. I was reminded of that as I drove past farms on the way to a meeting. I noticed that the earthen fields looked dark and rich. Even though it is wintertime, the farmers have been working on the soil. In the Spiritual Life, it may feel like all you are doing is tilling the soil. It takes a long time and focused effort to get the ground fertilized and watered just right. One fine day, a beautiful plant will sprout beyond your wildest expectations.
In the silence, take your time tilling the soil…
Some people like to worry. That might sound funny; it seems to me that they choose to worry. They get something out of it.
If you know that God is with you and others, then what is there to worry over? If God is for us, who can be against?
In the silence, turn your worries over to God…
“Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.’” ~ MK6:1-6 I wonder what Jesus felt when he saw the lack of faith of his own family, friends, and neighbors. He went back home, and nada, nothing. His healing ministry died right there at home. Was he sad? Did his heart ache with compassion? Did it give him the strength to go on and leave home, knowing other hurting people wanted his help?
In the silence, meditate on Jesus not being accepted…
A person was talking to me, and God was hushing me. I was already quiet and not speaking. God calmed me, and God softened me so I could hear. “Listen to what her heart is speaking. Listen.” I heard her heart speak, and I could feel the years of hurt that were built up over a lifetime. Her emotions started to pour out, and then, they were stopped short in her throat. God hushed me again. “Don’t speak yet.” Sacred Silence entered our meeting, and we were present in it together. God was at work, and I didn’t need to say anything. In the silence, you can hear hearts better…
“Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do.” ~ 1THES5:11 I have been meeting with a group of Ministers for Spiritual Direction. They said I encourage them in their work. Encouragement is so very important. How do you feel when someone encourages you? You may get a burst of strength and courage that you didn’t have before those kind words came your way. Don’t be stingy in giving encouragement to others. Each word spoken has life. Help someone today by encouraging them forward. In the silence, speak an encouraging word…
“May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” ~ 2 THES 3:16 I have been meditating and praying for peace every day this year. I don’t see any results yet. I am going to continue on. The place peace needs to start is within me. I can control my own actions and reactions. Am I living peacefully? Each day I begin again, striving for and pursuing peace.
In the silence, God gives peace at all times in every way…
“For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.” ~ 2TM1:1-8 The weather here was rainy and the air temperature was hovering close to the freezing point. I had to drive to my office. I thought, “God’s got me covered, and will not let me come to harm.” My car started to slide. I slowed down, and repeated to myself, “No matter what, God guides me.” I gained confidence. I made it safely there and back home.
In the silence, gain confidence in God’s care for you…
“Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” ~ MK16:15
Jesus commissions us to go forth, and tell the world about the Gospel. How do you spread the message to others? What keeps you from proclaiming the good news? The Holy Spirit will guide you with each step. Take one action; tell a family member, co-worker, or friend. Start with someone you are comfortable talking with about your faith. In the silence, proclaim the good news…
Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. That means, when you are full of joy, it is evidence of the Holy Spirit working in you. You can’t be truly joyful on your own, you need God’s help. When you connect deeply with God, the Spirit expresses joy through you.
Spreading joy to others?
In the silence, let the joy of God flow through…
