Do You Take Out Time To Listen To God?, By Courtney

Do You Take Out Time To Listen To God?

By Courtney S.

Cell Phone

Alarm Clock

Ipod

T.V.
Mp3
Friends
GOD

Is God at the bottom of your list? It seems that in an electronic filled world that God almost always comes last. Our lives are filled with noise and distraction. It seems that if something is isn't loud it doesn't get our attention.

For example:

During the summer my little sister had rented a Harold and the Purple Crayon DVD from the library. On the show Harold doesn't talk. Basically, none of the characters talk. Something about the quiet annoyed me. I asked my mom to turn it off. I had gotten tired of listening to complete silence.

Today, in my youth group my teacher showed us a video. The video started off with the host flipping channels and talking. When he finished there was complete silence for about 1 minute just in that short period all of us 5th-8th graders were sitting around squirming in our seats. Just then on the screen popped up the words:  Why does silence bother you? 

It was kind of scary, but it made me realize that more people than you think have a problem with silence. Why? What is so bothersome?  In the Bible God normally speaks to his followers in the silence. In 1 Kings 9 - 13. God comes to Elijah as a small voice after all of these louder, bigger, things happen. Here is the NIV version of 1 Kings 11 - 13.

The Lord said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

The wind, earthquake, and fire were all louder than God's voice. If God spoke to you in a whisper would you hear Him? Or would you be busy listening to your Ipod and not able to hear him.

Think about it. If you have on loud music, the T.V., and you're instant messaging your friends can you hear your mom calling you to dinner? No. You can't, and her voice is literally audible. God typically speaks to your heart and mind. If your mind is constantly busy, then you won't be able to hear God. In preschool, you would have to take naps. Now, most 8-21 year olds don't have time for naps. They're too busy. I know I am, but it can be done. When you're riding to soccer practice just be silent, or when you're driving to your part-time job be silent. Pray to God He'll help you.

Remember God Loves You and wants to hang out with you.