While at a Starbucks, at 6:30 this morning, I find a reminder of a discipline I have mastered and lost so many times. “Solitude & Quietness”
Part of my time lately has been to reread A. W. Tozer. In my early days as a new Christian, I would read his words during my 15 minute breaks when working as a mechanic, and then go back to the shop floor and meditate on his words for the next 2 hours of work. It was some of the richest times of my life. God was rebuilding my life from the ruins of my own choices.
Here is a portion of “The Best of Tozer”:
“Let’s Cultivate Simplicity and Solitude.”
“We Christians must simplify our lives or lose untold treasures on earth and in eternity.”
Modern civilization is so complex as to make the devotional life all but impossible. It wears us out by multiplying distractions and beats us down by destroying our solitude, where otherwise we might drink and renew our strength before going out to face the world again.”
Later in the same chapter:
“The need for solitude and quietness was never greater than it is today. What the world will do about it is their problem. Apparently the masses want it the way it is and the majority of Christians are so completely conformed to this present age that they, too, want things the way they are. They may be annoyed a bit by the clamor and by the goldfish bowl existence they live, but apparently they are not annoyed enough to do anything about it. However, there are a few of God’s children who have had enough. They want to relearn the ways of solitude and simplicity and gain the infinite riches of the interior life.”
This was written back in the early 1960s.
This morning I want to renew my purpose to get alone with God so I can hear His voice above the noise of this world. Let me assure you that if you don’t take the time to become familiar with the Father’s voice in the stillness, you will never hear his voice in the storm.
Before this year is over, make up your mind to improve your ability to hear the Fathers voice. Decide today how 2017 will be for you before the new year is upon us. Be purposeful to carve out time with just you and God.
Remember Ps 27:8
When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You,
“Your face, O LORD, I shall seek.”
Jer 29:13
‘You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.
May all of us who long to be with the Father regularly make the effort to change our busyness. May today start a new cycle of change, be it ever so small, in a way that we hear His voice better, because He is always speaking though few are listening.
Pastor Dale
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