Oh friend. This resonates with me very much. For the past several weeks I've been having those same thoughts. We're all so "sure". I'm beginning to find strict assurance in anything but Jesus Christ and him resurrected stifling. I've killed my social media for Lent and so far--much quieter.
So proud of you for quieting your social media! Way to go!! I've deleted the Substack app from my phone so that I won't scroll quite so much. I'm cheering for you!
I love the quietness of God, for in quiet periods I sit in peace. There I meet and hear God's voice, not loud but deep, speaking beyond thought but with clarity. When people say God is silent, I remember God moves in this mystery, only asking we prepare to meet God there.
The quietness of God honestly makes me uncomfortable because I'm so used to noise; the background sounds are comforting to me. But I'm learning--slowly--how to sit in the silence with God. I think your comment is so thoughtful and profound--thank you!
I LOVE this!! People shout and react and I can feel their frantic energy. The voice of Jesus is calm and regulated. He is consistent; he says the same things he has for two thousand years. The more I ignore the clamor of the crowd, the more I hear his steady whisper.
So relatable. This Lent, I'll be fasting from having earbuds in my ears during my daily walk/run, even from my happy little audiobooks. I find myself needing to create more space for quiet and solitude for all the reasons you mentioned. A friend told me that the practice of quieting our lives is like "offering hospitality to God." I hope that whatever "unmachining" or digital fast you take draws you closer to the heart of God!
Thank you so much, Sarah! Good for you for walking without a background track. I honestly can't imagine doing that, so it probably means I should try the same!
I am wondering whether your use of the castle metaphor is a reference to Teresa of Avila's "The Interior Castle." I would love to know what you think of that book. It resonates with what you are saying. Thank you for another thought-provoking article.
“I am learning that the Christian life is walking on water and staring into Jesus’s face. It is doing my best to mute out this shouting, screaming world, with its brash opinions and lacerating condemnations. It is finding others who want to walk on water too—who want to speak and live with nuance—and trust in the strong and quiet voice of God, calling us to come.”
Thanks for sharing some of your wrestle with us. It’s always a pleasure. I can tell you embody “work out your faith with fear and trembling.” And I think we need that more!
This is great. Have had my own days (and weeks) ((and months)) where I felt God was especially quiet. Good to be reminded he is always beside us and in us and before us.
The more I cut out of my life, the more permanent I want those changes to be.
There's always outside pressure to "keep up" and I always find it creeping back in new ways so the "pruning" process must continue. But it's worth it, in my mind.
Oh friend. This resonates with me very much. For the past several weeks I've been having those same thoughts. We're all so "sure". I'm beginning to find strict assurance in anything but Jesus Christ and him resurrected stifling. I've killed my social media for Lent and so far--much quieter.
So proud of you for quieting your social media! Way to go!! I've deleted the Substack app from my phone so that I won't scroll quite so much. I'm cheering for you!
I love the quietness of God, for in quiet periods I sit in peace. There I meet and hear God's voice, not loud but deep, speaking beyond thought but with clarity. When people say God is silent, I remember God moves in this mystery, only asking we prepare to meet God there.
The quietness of God honestly makes me uncomfortable because I'm so used to noise; the background sounds are comforting to me. But I'm learning--slowly--how to sit in the silence with God. I think your comment is so thoughtful and profound--thank you!
Such a great perspective. Thank you so much for sharing. I need the reminder to not let the shouting of the world drown out the voice of God.
Thank you so much for reading Andy! I'm grateful for you!
I LOVE this!! People shout and react and I can feel their frantic energy. The voice of Jesus is calm and regulated. He is consistent; he says the same things he has for two thousand years. The more I ignore the clamor of the crowd, the more I hear his steady whisper.
My best friend always calls God a "non-anxious presence," which I find quite beautiful. I'm learning how to slow down long enough to listen for it.
Oh I LOVE that!
So relatable. This Lent, I'll be fasting from having earbuds in my ears during my daily walk/run, even from my happy little audiobooks. I find myself needing to create more space for quiet and solitude for all the reasons you mentioned. A friend told me that the practice of quieting our lives is like "offering hospitality to God." I hope that whatever "unmachining" or digital fast you take draws you closer to the heart of God!
Thank you so much, Sarah! Good for you for walking without a background track. I honestly can't imagine doing that, so it probably means I should try the same!
I really resonated with this piece, thank you!!
Thanks so much for reading it, Corine!
Thanks for walking us through your thoughts...think this Lenten season will be our chance to regain our awareness of God's presence!
Amen, Chuck! Thank you for reading!
I am wondering whether your use of the castle metaphor is a reference to Teresa of Avila's "The Interior Castle." I would love to know what you think of that book. It resonates with what you are saying. Thank you for another thought-provoking article.
Okay a friend bought me "The Interior Castle," but I have yet to read it. I really do need to dive in at some point. Thank you Joe!
“I am learning that the Christian life is walking on water and staring into Jesus’s face. It is doing my best to mute out this shouting, screaming world, with its brash opinions and lacerating condemnations. It is finding others who want to walk on water too—who want to speak and live with nuance—and trust in the strong and quiet voice of God, calling us to come.”
Thanks for sharing some of your wrestle with us. It’s always a pleasure. I can tell you embody “work out your faith with fear and trembling.” And I think we need that more!
Uuuugh Abbey thank you for embodying the same :) I look up to you in so many ways!
This is great. Have had my own days (and weeks) ((and months)) where I felt God was especially quiet. Good to be reminded he is always beside us and in us and before us.
Amen, Zach. Thank you so much for reading!
Oh how I loved this piece! Hearted and restacked, and I'll think about it for a long time.
Really enjoyed this, thanks for writing it!
The more I cut out of my life, the more permanent I want those changes to be.
There's always outside pressure to "keep up" and I always find it creeping back in new ways so the "pruning" process must continue. But it's worth it, in my mind.