The chapel where my wife and I attend worship was built in 1935. Constructed in the Neo-gothic style, it resembles a smaller version of a Western European cathedral. And like any old building, it has a unique personality. As a musician, I used to enjoy the quirky sounds our little chapel made. The creaky floor boards in the choir loft were my favorite.
But the powers that be decided to install a fancy geo-thermal heating and air-conditioning system in the building. One with a fan motor that runs 24/7. And the incessant drone of moving air–through the vents in the sanctuary–totally ruined the audio ambiance!
But this past Sunday a miracle occurred! Someone switched the HVAC fan to run on a cycle. You can hear the church building again-creaky floor boards and all!
I sat there in the choir loft before the worship service, soaking in the silence. Then it came to me in a moment of sudden insight: “It’s so quiet you can hear God!”
How many times in life does the “white noise” of the world drowned out His still, small voice? All the screens in my home practically scream, “Pay attention to me!” Then there’s the miniature slot machine in my pocket.📲 Some still call it a phone. Yet it’s far more addictive than the kind that once sat on a little table.☎️
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
Stillness does not come naturally to me. I’ve always been a bit of a squirrel.🐿. I savor quiet contemplation with God, but find I must carve this time out if it’s going to happen.
For the past forty or so years–since I was a teenager–I’ve consistently spent time with God at the beginning of every morning. The first hour of the day, it’s just Him and me. I read scripture and devotional thoughts, spend time in prayer, and jot down my impressions.
Incidentally, I found the Lord’s prescription for hearing Him better: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.”— Isaiah 30:15 (NIV) The Israelites of that time didn’t listen; but you and I know better.
What is your practice for spending quality time with God? I’d love to hear about it! Please share in the comments, if you’d like.
🙏❤️ prayers and love.
Photo by Irina Iriser on Pexels.com. This isn’t my church, but it looks similar.
I’m taking my annual sabbatical from writing. I hope you enjoyed this devotional by David’s Daily Dose.
Devotions by Chris Hendrix 
I remember this lovely post first time when David posted it, a well chosen devotion Chris. As I ponder this anew, my silent contemplation is interrupted by a noisy spin cycle from the washing machine in the kitchen! This is why I rise early each morning and sometimes escape to the hills. God bless you today brothers.
Thank you. I too get up before everyone so nothing can disrupt. Quiet time must be prioritized.
Great post Chris. I too have had a consistent quiet time for many years. I have a cross-stitch hanging in my study that reminds me of the importance. I’m not sure who wrote it. It says:
I met God in the morning, when my day was at its best and His Presence came as sunrirse, like glory in my breast.
All day long His Presence lingered, all day long He stayed with me and we sailed in perfect calmness o’er a troubled sea.
Other ships were blown and battered, other ships were sore distressed, but the winds that seemed to drive them brought to us a peace and rest.
Then I thought of other mornings with a keen remorse of mind, when I too had loosed the moorings and His Presence left behind.
So, I think I know the secret, learned from many a troubled way. You must seek God in the morning if you want Him through the day.
What a great reminder of the importance of quiet time. I love that quote! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you the reblog, Chris. Enjoy your sabbatical!
You’re welcome.