By Rae Lynn DeAngelis
“Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.” (Proverbs 23:12)
Each year my mom spends a week at a spiritual retreat center in Kentucky. It’s a serene and quiet place where she goes to be alone with God. The retreat center has designated areas where talking is permitted, but for the most part, speaking aloud is discouraged. The silence allows visitors to be completely focused on God. Eliminating distractions from outside influences provides visitors with the best opportunity to hear God speak to their heart.
At times I’ve wondered how anyone could go an entire week without speaking aloud, yet at other times I’m envious. My mom has invested much time building intimacy with God, void of interruptions. I wouldn’t mind having an entire week alone with God myself. My mom always comes away from her retreat feeling refreshed and renewed.
What about you? Do you take time to be quiet before the Lord?
“I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.” (Isaiah 45:3)
Our time alone with God will never be wasted. In fact, it will make us better parents, spouses, co-workers, and friends. I have come to realize that we don’t need to hear the words of another human being nearly as much as we need to hear the Words of God.
“I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.” (Job 23:12b)
May we all see the importance of taking time to be alone with God.
