A Whisper In The Dark

A recent email from Roy Lessin—Co-Founder, DaySpring Cards:
"A line in a popular hymn states, “As He whispers in my ear, I am His and He is mine.” What are the things God is whispering to you today? His voice will speak the best words you will ever hear. Quiet your heart. Hear Him saying to you, “Come to Me. Draw close to Me. Come closer still. Let Me comfort you with My mercies… encompass you with My grace… assure you with My presence… embrace you with My love.” God has so many tender things to whisper to you. Each day He invites you to come close, to draw near, and to listen. Take a moment each day and listen for a “whisper” from God."

Melanie has been teaching through the spiritual disciplines. She knows I enjoy them and so she passes her weekly LifeChange Lessons for my perusal. This week she talks about "Simplicity and Solitude."

Point 12 was of particular interest: "Solitude can set us free. It takes us into a place of darkness where all is stripped away."

We can't hear God's whispers until we're in the dark. Solitude is NOT lonliness. But the darkness of lonliness can drive us to the Father. For comfort. Security. Companionship.

If you've never experienced the depth and richness of being alone with God, perhaps you have not yet entered into the darkness. We are to embrace our pain, not run from it. And through this we shall be changed.

Like a seed planted in the dank dark earth, our growth towards the light must begin in darkness.

If you're burning your candle from both ends of the wick, it's time to S-T-O-P. Chances are, you are running from something God wants you to deal with. If you have plans every night of the week, it's time to S-T-O-P. Chances are, you are not living out the personal discipline of "Simplicity and Solitude."

The hymn, by Will­iam D. Long­staff, 1882 comes to mind:
TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY
Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.

Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.