The Power of Contemplation: Drawing Near to God
In our fast-paced world, filled with constant noise and distractions, the idea of sitting in silence might seem uncomfortable or even frightening. Yet, it's in these quiet moments that we often find the deepest connections with God. The practice of contemplation – of intentionally seeking stillness to commune with the Divine – is a powerful tool for spiritual growth and transformation.
Consider this: How long can you sit in silence before feeling restless? For many of us, even a minute can feel like an eternity. Our minds race, our bodies fidget, and we reach for our phones or any distraction to fill the void. But what if, instead of running from the silence, we embraced it as an opportunity to draw near to God?
James 4:7-8 offers us a profound invitation: "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you." This passage presents us with two clear directives: resist evil and draw close to God. It's not enough to simply avoid sin; we must actively pursue a relationship with our Creator.
The beauty of this invitation lies in its promise. As we take steps towards God, He eagerly moves towards us. It's reminiscent of the parable of the Prodigal Son, where the father runs to embrace his wayward child upon seeing him from afar. No matter how far we've strayed or how broken we feel, God is always ready to meet us where we are.
But how do we practically draw near to God? It starts with intentionality. We must carve out time in our busy schedules for quiet contemplation. This doesn't mean we need to spend hours in silent meditation (though that can be beneficial). Even small pockets of stillness throughout our day can make a significant difference.
During these moments of contemplation, we're invited to:
1. Release our burdens: Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Through prayer and reflection, we can lay our worries, fears, and sins at the feet of Christ.
2. Listen for God's voice: Too often, our prayers become one-sided conversations. We rattle off our requests and quickly say "Amen" without pausing to listen. True contemplation involves both speaking and listening.
3. Examine our hearts: As we draw near to God, He often reveals areas of our lives that need purification. James calls us to "purify our hearts" and avoid being "double-minded" – trying to pursue God while clinging to worldly passions.
4. Deepen our understanding: Colossians 2:2-4 speaks of the "mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." As we contemplate God's word and character, we unlock new depths of spiritual insight.
The practice of contemplation isn't always easy. Our culture values productivity and constant activity, making it challenging to justify "doing nothing." Yet, Psalm 46:10 reminds us to "Be still, and know that I am God." It's often in these moments of stillness that we experience God's presence most profoundly.
For some, the idea of sitting in silence might be anxiety-inducing. If that's you, start small. Begin with just a minute or two of focused quiet time with God. As you grow more comfortable, gradually increase the duration. You might find it helpful to have soft instrumental music playing in the background or to focus on a specific Bible verse or image.
It's important to note that drawing near to God requires more than just physical stillness. It demands a posture of humility and surrender. We must be willing to let go of our own agendas and truly submit to God's will for our lives. This might mean confronting uncomfortable truths about ourselves or releasing control over situations we've been desperately trying to manage.
The rewards of this practice, however, are immeasurable. As we consistently spend time in God's presence, we begin to see transformation in our lives. We gain a clearer perspective on our circumstances, experience deeper peace amidst chaos, and develop a more intimate relationship with our Creator.
Moreover, regular contemplation helps us resist temptation more effectively. James promises that as we resist the devil, he will flee from us. By continually turning our focus towards God, we strengthen our spiritual muscles and become better equipped to stand firm against evil influences.
Implementing a practice of contemplation doesn't have to be complicated. Here are a few practical suggestions:
1. Start your day with a few minutes of silence before checking your phone or starting your routine.
2. Take short "prayer breaks" throughout your workday, even if it's just a minute or two.
3. End your day by reflecting on where you saw God's presence and guidance.
4. Consider setting aside a "Sabbath" – a day dedicated to rest, worship, and communion with God.
As you embark on this journey of contemplation, be patient with yourself. Like any spiritual discipline, it takes time to develop. There will be days when your mind wanders or when silence feels uncomfortable. That's okay. The important thing is to keep showing up, keep drawing near to God, trusting that He is drawing near to you.
In a world that constantly demands our attention and energy, the practice of contemplation offers a refreshing oasis. It's an invitation to step away from the noise, to resist the pull of temptation, and to experience the transformative power of God's presence. As we make space for stillness and reflection, we open ourselves to new depths of spiritual growth and a more intimate walk with our Creator.
So, this week, why not take up the challenge? Carve out intentional time for quiet contemplation. Pray about the areas of your life where you need God to move. Listen for His gentle whispers. And watch as He begins to bring new life to the areas that have long felt like ashes.
Remember, no matter where you are on your spiritual journey, God is eagerly waiting to meet you in the silence. Will you accept His invitation to draw near?
In our fast-paced world, filled with constant noise and distractions, the idea of sitting in silence might seem uncomfortable or even frightening. Yet, it's in these quiet moments that we often find the deepest connections with God. The practice of contemplation – of intentionally seeking stillness to commune with the Divine – is a powerful tool for spiritual growth and transformation.
Consider this: How long can you sit in silence before feeling restless? For many of us, even a minute can feel like an eternity. Our minds race, our bodies fidget, and we reach for our phones or any distraction to fill the void. But what if, instead of running from the silence, we embraced it as an opportunity to draw near to God?
James 4:7-8 offers us a profound invitation: "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you." This passage presents us with two clear directives: resist evil and draw close to God. It's not enough to simply avoid sin; we must actively pursue a relationship with our Creator.
The beauty of this invitation lies in its promise. As we take steps towards God, He eagerly moves towards us. It's reminiscent of the parable of the Prodigal Son, where the father runs to embrace his wayward child upon seeing him from afar. No matter how far we've strayed or how broken we feel, God is always ready to meet us where we are.
But how do we practically draw near to God? It starts with intentionality. We must carve out time in our busy schedules for quiet contemplation. This doesn't mean we need to spend hours in silent meditation (though that can be beneficial). Even small pockets of stillness throughout our day can make a significant difference.
During these moments of contemplation, we're invited to:
1. Release our burdens: Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Through prayer and reflection, we can lay our worries, fears, and sins at the feet of Christ.
2. Listen for God's voice: Too often, our prayers become one-sided conversations. We rattle off our requests and quickly say "Amen" without pausing to listen. True contemplation involves both speaking and listening.
3. Examine our hearts: As we draw near to God, He often reveals areas of our lives that need purification. James calls us to "purify our hearts" and avoid being "double-minded" – trying to pursue God while clinging to worldly passions.
4. Deepen our understanding: Colossians 2:2-4 speaks of the "mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." As we contemplate God's word and character, we unlock new depths of spiritual insight.
The practice of contemplation isn't always easy. Our culture values productivity and constant activity, making it challenging to justify "doing nothing." Yet, Psalm 46:10 reminds us to "Be still, and know that I am God." It's often in these moments of stillness that we experience God's presence most profoundly.
For some, the idea of sitting in silence might be anxiety-inducing. If that's you, start small. Begin with just a minute or two of focused quiet time with God. As you grow more comfortable, gradually increase the duration. You might find it helpful to have soft instrumental music playing in the background or to focus on a specific Bible verse or image.
It's important to note that drawing near to God requires more than just physical stillness. It demands a posture of humility and surrender. We must be willing to let go of our own agendas and truly submit to God's will for our lives. This might mean confronting uncomfortable truths about ourselves or releasing control over situations we've been desperately trying to manage.
The rewards of this practice, however, are immeasurable. As we consistently spend time in God's presence, we begin to see transformation in our lives. We gain a clearer perspective on our circumstances, experience deeper peace amidst chaos, and develop a more intimate relationship with our Creator.
Moreover, regular contemplation helps us resist temptation more effectively. James promises that as we resist the devil, he will flee from us. By continually turning our focus towards God, we strengthen our spiritual muscles and become better equipped to stand firm against evil influences.
Implementing a practice of contemplation doesn't have to be complicated. Here are a few practical suggestions:
1. Start your day with a few minutes of silence before checking your phone or starting your routine.
2. Take short "prayer breaks" throughout your workday, even if it's just a minute or two.
3. End your day by reflecting on where you saw God's presence and guidance.
4. Consider setting aside a "Sabbath" – a day dedicated to rest, worship, and communion with God.
As you embark on this journey of contemplation, be patient with yourself. Like any spiritual discipline, it takes time to develop. There will be days when your mind wanders or when silence feels uncomfortable. That's okay. The important thing is to keep showing up, keep drawing near to God, trusting that He is drawing near to you.
In a world that constantly demands our attention and energy, the practice of contemplation offers a refreshing oasis. It's an invitation to step away from the noise, to resist the pull of temptation, and to experience the transformative power of God's presence. As we make space for stillness and reflection, we open ourselves to new depths of spiritual growth and a more intimate walk with our Creator.
So, this week, why not take up the challenge? Carve out intentional time for quiet contemplation. Pray about the areas of your life where you need God to move. Listen for His gentle whispers. And watch as He begins to bring new life to the areas that have long felt like ashes.
Remember, no matter where you are on your spiritual journey, God is eagerly waiting to meet you in the silence. Will you accept His invitation to draw near?
Posted in Sermon Blog
Pastor Dave Haney
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