Whose Voice Is It?

My soul, be at rest in God alone, from whom comes my hope. God alone is my rock and my salvation, my secure height; I shall not fall. My safety and my glory are with God, my strong rock and refuge. (Ps. 62:6-8)

What does it mean to rest in God alone? In our noisy, fast-paced world, it can be hard to distinguish God’s voice from the myriad of voices clamoring for our attention at any given moment. We have demands of jobs, of families, requests from friends and acquaintances. There is the constant din of distractions from the media, the Internet and numerous other things that vie for our attention. It’s no wonder people are stressed and worn out so much of the time!

In our faith communities, we are asked to tithe of our treasure and talent for the support and building up of the church. But do we tithe our time? Just as we set aside a portion of our treasure to be used in God’s service, do we set aside time for Him to use as He sees fit?

My husband leaves for work a little before 6:00 each morning. That time just after he leaves and before I have to start getting ready for work is God’s “prime time” in my day. There are no phones ringing, no e-mail messages to answer. The children at the elementary school across the street have not yet begun arriving and, save for the birds singing, the neighborhood is quiet. My head isn’t yet spinning with all the things I have to accomplish that day. It’s the ideal time to just sit with the Lord, to take up a Scripture passage and meditate on it; to praise God and share my concerns and needs with Him. But most of all, it’s a time to listen and let Him tell me how He wants me to spend my day.

So how can we be sure it's God's voice we're hearing? The Enemy is a master counterfeiter. He is adept at suggesting “projects” to us that on the surface may seem quite noble. I have learned through experience over the years that such suggestions are typically aimed at distracting me from other spiritual work I need to be doing. The only way to distinguish whose voice is calling is to consistently spend time with the One we know loves us without limit. The Gospels tell us that Jesus often withdrew to a quiet place to pray. Although He is divine, in His humanity, He experienced all the same doubts and temptations and daily frustrations that we do. His commitment to perfect communion with the Father was nurtured and kept intact through that consistent, intimate prayer. We are called into that same relationship with the Father. My sheep hear My voice; I know them and they follow Me. (Jn. 10:27).

The Lord is waiting for us. Do we give Him the prime time of our day, or just what’s left over after all the other daily concerns have been addressed?

Prayer Request

For all those whose busy lives leave them tired and empty, that they would learn to set time aside for the Lord who can give them true rest and refreshment.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we pray that your gentle voice might come to those who are so busy searching for happiness in things that cannot truly satisfy. You tell us, “Come unto Me, and I will give you rest.” Help us to always give you the first and the best of our time, that we might receive the blessings You wish to give us, and know Your love and consolation. We pray in the mighty name of Jesus, Your Son and our Lord. Amen.