On Friday morning I got up really early, excited to go sit out on the balcony and watch the sun rise over the ocean. I was so disappointed when I opened the blinds to see nothing. We were sitting in a heavy fog. I couldn't see past the balcony railing. I went out anyway and sat down. I asked God why. I heard one word. "Listen." So I sat and listened. (Sometimes I am very obedient.) What I heard was deafening. We were so close to the ocean that when we were out on the balcony we had to speak loudly to hear each other. That morning the waves were crashing in. I realized what I was hearing represented to me the Power of God. Huge. Deafening. Resounding. Roaring. Powerful.
I opened my Bible up to Ecclestiastes and read the 5th Chapter, verses 1-7.
"Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. As a dream comes when there are many cares, so the speech of a fool when there are many words.
When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God."
I think I've been too wordy with God lately. And probably with myself in my head. I think it's time to do a little listening. And standing. In awe.
9 comments:
some times it hard to realize that Dad is also the Most High.
I love the ocean..
Clint, sometimes its hard for me to realize that the Most High is Dad..
Thank you for sharing your experience. "Listen"
Thank you, God for your presence in our lives. Especially when we "listen."
I love the ocean for the very reason you've articulated. I call the experience of being at the ocean "the case of the incredibly shrinking man."
I love that, Scott! The incredible shrinking man!
You can use it... for a fee.
Mmmmwwwwwaaaahahahaha!
One thing that I feel God reminding me of through Hebrew, is how powerful He is, and how much He deserves my reverence. He is so very Holy, and, my words need to be few as well. I need to do more listening. Great post!
Thanks for all your comments.
Lynette - I wish you'd been there too.
Clint - so true and I am guilty of that big time.
Bev - Next time you're coming along too!
Rachel P - He really is powerfully present.
Scott - I love that, both the incredible shrinking man part and the amazing way you spell.
Jeans - I was prayer walking a little church here in town with two older ladies one day when we stopped and were talking about God. I referred to him as "the Big Guy" and man, did they come down on me. I will never forget that. I've never thought of Him the same since then.
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