Quiet Time

Making daily time for silent moments nourishes my soul right now. Along with meeting with my Spiritual Director (to share and receive support for how God is working in me), silence is one of my most important practices right now. It feels as though the Holy Spirit is doing something in me and I need to be ready to hear. 

Maybe, it's the education on racial wounds and the cry for justice? 
Maybe, it's the continued corona-virus changes? 
Maybe, it's the regular activity of my 4 children with me almost all the time? 
Maybe, it's the reforming of the local church I find myself noticing as a spiritual director and pastor's wife? 

I'm finding the reason why I'm being invited into more quiet time less important and simply receiving this invitation as a gift. To be available, waiting, and listening so I can respond to God. That's what matters most. That's what will change me and give me clarity in this season.

As I sat for quiet this morning, I used a few verses in Mark's experience of Jesus to help me become still so I might hear.  Many of us don't have the energy left anymore to read our Bible for a religious, superior motivation. We want to read to know and be known by our Creator more personally! 

You might know the parables Jesus taught often confounded people who weren't there for a relationship. They were focused on defending and justifying what they already thought they knew. But, His disciples were listening too. As I quietly, slowly read verse 34 the last few words stood out to me. 

"But when He was alone with his disciples, He explained everything." 

He was so kind to them. Amidst the questions, and at times confusion, Jesus wanted to guide them along their journey, pointing them back to the promises of God's heart! He didn't want them to stay confused. Jesus knew it would take time for His disciples to "get it". He knew learning would come in layers. He was aware each one walking with Him had wounds, differing personalities, and even some false desires in the way. He knew they didn't even really know who they were yet. 

It's in this listening time where we grow in discerning His voice. Little by little, we get to know the priceless things He knows we need to understand for our journey. It's in this surrendered time we practice letting go of whatever is blocking our hearing.

Then Jesus said, "Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear." - Mark 4:9 

For those who want to hear and be known by Him, He already waits for you. He makes Himself available to you. Our part is to arrange our lives in a way so we might hear and be graced in relationship with continued understanding. 

What speaks to you about Jesus in Mark 4:34?
What might help you quietly listen for what He wants to explain to you?