Reflection IV - A Quiet Moment

Hello friends! Unfortunately, I've had a pretty full week and haven't been able to prepare another poem to share with you. However, I'm planning to post another one of my pieces next Thursday. :)

In the meantime, I want to share a practice that has been very beneficial for me. Sometime today (or this week), I'd encourage you to take at least five minutes to simply sit and be, laying aside all devices, books, work responsibilities, etc. Five minutes doesn't sound like a long time, but often I start to feel antsy even after a few minutes of doing nothing. However, I've discovered that by forcing myself to rest, breathe, and focus on Jesus for a brief period of time, beautiful things can happen. Occasionally a pleasant memory or image will pop into my mind. Many times I will experience a strong feeling of peace, or sense God saying something to me.

One thing I enjoy doing during these times of "being" (I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but I think you get my point :) is journaling prayers. Not only do I write prayers to God, but I also like to practice journaling His responses. I know this might sound intimidating to some of you, but I believe the Father loves talking to us, and is doing so constantly. We just aren't always able to hear Him.

My prayer is that by trying to listen to Him on a regular basis, I'll be more easily able to identify His Voice. I don't think 100% of what I jot down in my notebooks is Him. However, if the words align with the Words of Scripture and I feel joy and peace as I'm writing them, I think there's a distinct possibility that I'm hearing from God. Plus, I believe Jesus loves any efforts we take to seek after Him, even if in the midst of these efforts we get some things wrong (and we inevitably will).

I know this topic of journaling God's Voice is a loaded one. If you're unfamiliar with the concept and would like to read more about it, check out the prompt at the end of this post.

I also find it restful to listen to instrumental music. I love songs with lyrics (as you know), but something about solely hearing a melody helps my mind slow down and focus on God. I'm including a list of some beautiful instrumental pieces below ("Song of Songs" is one of my current favorites). I tried to pick songs in a variety of styles, because I know everyone has different musical preferences.

Hope this encourages you! Praying you have a great week. :)

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”

- Psalm 46:10 (NLT)

Instrumental Songs

1. "Song of Songs" by Alabaster Co. (feat. Shawn Halim & Stacey Chou): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi5s6q-lP6s

2. "How Great Thou Art" by Richard Samuels (instrumental piano version): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIB4qXewhb0

3. "The Head to Heart Journey" by Cageless Birds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-4YowDMyO0

4. "Holy Ground" from The Chosen: Season One (by Matthew S. Nelson and Dan Haseltine, feat. Ruby Amanfu): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Avo39rrAYVQ

5. FRUIT by Alabaster Co. (This is the link to the full album; I couldn't find the individual songs on YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asLPU_pSVAM

6. "10,000 Reasons" by David Wyatt (instrumental guitar version): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaka5ezMUmw

Prompt on Practicing Journaling God's Voice: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/52f8f863e4b05d1230c56041/t/5f297e2440692626e9878c1e/1596554788177/Your+Thoughts+Define+Me.pdf