“But they refused to heed, shrugged their shoulders, and stopped their ears so that they could not hear.” Zechariah 7:11
Response
As I finished reading a chapter in a book the other day, I was barely to the final words when I began wondering what the next chapter would be about. The thing is, the chapter I’d just finished was calling me to prayer—and I wasn’t praying. I was taking in information, merely processing words. I was not pausing, not contemplating, not practicing—and certainly not responding to what I’d been called to do.
In doing this, I was exhibiting something I see increasingly in this world, and that is rushing past what is crucial—the very things we believers are called to be and do and think in order to develop intimacy with the Lord, in order to hear from Him, and in order to be changed from within. He’s asking for our response to what He initiates.
Sometimes I do read books just for fun, but I read differently when, say, I am preparing to teach. I pause and pray every little while, take notes, re-read sections that speak to me. And all the while, my heart is being transformed.
We certainly don’t have to be preparing to teach in order to pay close attention to His Word. Any encounter with Him should hold this same importance. If we consider WHO we are talking to—WHO we are studying—WHO wrote His story for us—it changes everything!
This is why I keep a journal during my quiet times with Him. I’m ready to pursue whatever thoughts come to me from His Word, and I’m purposing to pay attention to Him. I may be prompted to confess a sin. I may gape in fresh wonder at something He created that I can see right outside my window. I may be touched deeply by His Spirit Who is always working to bring me closer to the Father. I may recount fresh blessings, or write out a heartfelt prayer. He and I both know that this journal is a compilation of my responses to Him over the years.
If you keep a journal of this sort, would you share some thoughts about it in the Comments? It may encourage others to be more intentional about responding to the Lord.
“Father, thank You for this simple tool that helps us pay attention to what You say and do. Give us Your creative ideas for other ways to intentionally seek You. Amen.”
During the past year or so I’ve been writing in a journal to help me stay focused and quiet the distractions in my mind during my time with the Lord. It has been a great help.
I am trying to get more consistent with this. There’s a deeper connection when I write as opposed to when I just read. It helps me slow down and think about what I am reading.
I needed to hear this today. Need to sloooowwww down and take Him in!
Sometimes saying things out loud are difficult. I tend to keep my feelings in. It has helped me to write down my feelings and prayers. It’s a way of letting go and letting God take control. When times are hard, I can pour out my heart through writing. Later, I can go back and see how God has brought me through. It gives me hope and confidence in His faithfulness.
I started a journal awhile back but I am not consistent. I know the value and blessing to see how God moves. This gives me a new start to be more consistent. Thank you!
Yes. Journaling keeps me focused, intentional and listening for His voice as I write.