The world’s a noisy place! Most often when we receive promptings, they’re through the quiet whisperings of the Holy Ghost. They are usually not loud, but they can be powerful and life changing. In 1 Kings 19:11-13, Elijah learned, “The Lord was not in the wind: . . . the Lord was not in the earthquake: . . . the Lord was not in the fire.”
The Lord spoke in a still small voice.
Sometimes it’s hard to feel calm. M. Russell Ballard said, “People living in the past enjoyed an abundance of natural heavenly light and comfortable darkness, without streetlights, headlights, and light pollution found in all our cities across the world . . .. The people of earlier times experienced solitude in ways we cannot imagine in our crowded and busy world. Even when we are alone today, we can be tuned in with our handheld devices, laptops, and TVs to keep us entertained and occupied . . ..Seemingly, as our world gets brighter, louder, and busier, we have a greater challenge feeling the Spirit in our lives” (Ballard, M. Russel. “Be Still and Know That I Am God.” [Church Educational System devotional for young adults, May 4, 2014]).
Are you among the many who are addicted (or at least heavily reliant) to all the devices available today? I admit that sometimes I check my screentime and I am embarrassed at how much time I’ve wasted!
What things make it difficult for you to feel the Spirit? What is your biggest distraction?
One of my favorite scriptures is “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Sometimes if I’m distracted or feeling a lot of anxiety, I meditate with this scripture. I’m not an expert in meditation, in fact, I’m just a beginner. But this has helped me to get rid of distractions and feel the spirit more in my life.
I think of this scripture and repeat in my mind:
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Then I focus on one word, know, and try to gently push away other thoughts that inevitably come into my mind. It has helped me feel less fidgety and distracted, and I think I’m getting better at it the more I do it.
So, for today, perhaps try meditating with this scripture and consider this one eternal truth: above all, you are a beloved daughter of God. When things feel out of control as they often do, remember all things are in His hands. He’s got you!