Make Space for God
By Kelly Miyamura, Executive Coordinator for the Ko’olau Property
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10
My post-2020 reflection: It is my nature to fill any empty space I have in my life with more stuff. More activities, more commitments, more of whatever. Sometimes that more is fruitful and life-giving, but often times because of my choices, it becomes overwhelming, and I find myself feeling spread thin. Do I do this because I find silence uncomfortable? Do I do this because I derive much of my value from others’ opinions, and in my accomplishments and work? Do I do this because I’m restless, searching for something more? Probably all of the above and then some. What I know for sure is that this behavior isn’t leading me to greater devotion to Jesus. And it is not often leading to the flourishing or expansion of His Kingdom.
Our self-awareness is important so we can identify what’s holding us back from experiencing all that God has for us and the freedom that comes with being a follower of Christ. In our relationship with Him, God meets us daily. This week as a step towards Him, God has given me this clear word: LISTEN.
To listen I need to stop talking and be still. I realize I talk to God or sometimes even talk at God, but I don’t listen to Him very much. I often turn to Him to ask for something, but don’t often turn to Him to simply be with Him. Listening requires silence, stillness, and the sanctification of empty spaces in our lives. This is not something I’m particularly skilled at or make time for in the busyness of any given day. I realize I must teach myself to be silent, be still, and listen.
Peter Scazzero, author of Emotionally Healthy Relationships, says this about silence: “Many religions have some practice of silence, so there is nothing particularly Christian about silence itself. What makes silence unique for us as followers of Christ is that we are still and silent in the context of our relationship with the living God. In a posture of attentiveness and surrender, we allow Him and His will access to the innermost parts of our lives. This is the very core of what it means to be in loving union with Him.”
My sense is that in our silence and stillness before God, in our surrender and in our listening, we will find what our hearts truly long for that fills us with godly purpose, grace, and peace.
Prayer: Here I am, Lord. Come be with me.
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