Silence and Obedience
Spiritual disciplines are very important for us, as believers. We must continually discipline ourselves to do the right spiritual practices in order to grow in the Lord the way we should to become fully like Jesus. When most of us think of the spiritual disciplines, I would imagine we think of prayer, Bible study, and worship. Those three disciplines are essential to spiritual growth. However, there are at least two of the spiritual disciplines that are often forgotten and misunderstood. I am referring to the two mentioned by David in Psalm 65, silence and obedience. (Psalm 65:1-2a) How often do you think of the spiritual benefits of silence and obedience? Let's take a few moments to delve into both of these today.
Years ago, I read a book on the spiritual disciplines by Dallas Willard. I was very shocked to see that he had included silence in His list. At first, I thought I disagreed with his assessment, but then I read what the Bible says about being quiet before the Lord, sitting at His feet, and being still to know He is Lord. I became convinced that most believers miss the value of sitting silently before God just to enjoy His presence and to listen to what He has to say. It is amazing how peaceful and refreshing it is to stop talking and start listening to the Lord. It is a prayer to God that says, "You are important to me. I need to hear from You, and I am willing to wait in silence." God loves that and responds to those who practice being silent before Him. Also, obedience is a spiritual discipline. We only grow as a Christian when we exercise our spiritual muscles that we build by prayer, Bible study, and worship. The way we exercise is to ask God what we should do and do it, in the power of the Spirit. Each time we obey, our faith gets stronger, and we are able to do greater and greater things at the Lord's direction. Therefore, obedience is a daily necessity, and God loves to hear our prayer when we want to obey His will. Let's decide not to overlook these two spiritual disciplines, but to practice them every day, along with the other disciplines, so we can become like Jesus more and more.
#NHBaptistdotorg
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 66-68.
Years ago, I read a book on the spiritual disciplines by Dallas Willard. I was very shocked to see that he had included silence in His list. At first, I thought I disagreed with his assessment, but then I read what the Bible says about being quiet before the Lord, sitting at His feet, and being still to know He is Lord. I became convinced that most believers miss the value of sitting silently before God just to enjoy His presence and to listen to what He has to say. It is amazing how peaceful and refreshing it is to stop talking and start listening to the Lord. It is a prayer to God that says, "You are important to me. I need to hear from You, and I am willing to wait in silence." God loves that and responds to those who practice being silent before Him. Also, obedience is a spiritual discipline. We only grow as a Christian when we exercise our spiritual muscles that we build by prayer, Bible study, and worship. The way we exercise is to ask God what we should do and do it, in the power of the Spirit. Each time we obey, our faith gets stronger, and we are able to do greater and greater things at the Lord's direction. Therefore, obedience is a daily necessity, and God loves to hear our prayer when we want to obey His will. Let's decide not to overlook these two spiritual disciplines, but to practice them every day, along with the other disciplines, so we can become like Jesus more and more.
#NHBaptistdotorg
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 66-68.