Fighting FOR

Bible Study

Exodus 14:14 ESV

If I had to name one thing my dad taught me it’s found in Exodus 14:14, “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

The first thing we need to do is to establish a comfortable relationship with God. This is not essential but it is helpful for you.

Sitting in silence and inviting God to sit with you and occupy your space is as easy as breathing, but it can take time depending on your personality. If you like silence and relaxation it can be easy. If you are Type A and you do not like to sit it can be more difficult because it’s helpful if you relax your mind.

Invite God in. That is essential because God does not force us to extend an invitation.

Next, sit in silence. Turn off all unnecessary sound (iPod, television). If you run a fan than is actually helpful because it’s repetitive quiet sound.

Close your eyes.

Let your body relax. Relaxing your brain makes it easier to communicate with God. I have meditated with people who called God ‘universe’ or ‘creator’ and when I was young I struggled with that. I came to a point where ‘a name by any other name can smell as sweet’ works. We are all different. When you think of God or refer to God, feel free to use the name that helps you to feel comfortable.

I might explain that my change in attitude came about by reading many books that contained accounts of references to God from remote tribes who worshiped God and the Son of God and they had never read Hebrew scripture or the New Testament Gospel.

Yet God either came to their mind and they received God. In some cases God appeared to them.

Modern cultures flooded with constant noise may have had the same experiences yet they might not have realized the presence of God because of excessive noise or lack of time alone.

Many people who are ill and bed-ridden have accounts of hearing God. God is present but when we are busy and our space is filled with noise we may not realize God is present.

In addition to seven years of studying about God in Seminary, I sat with a Spiritual Director for ten years who constantly reminded me to ‘make quiet space for God’. I learned he was right and making space for the silence of God is wonderful.

As you make space for God, let your mind relax.

Focus on God and mentally invite God into your space.

Let your breathing slow.

With each breath allow God to come closer.

When you begin to experience peace…real peace, God is present.

God with you, around you, and in you.

If you have a special name for God whisper it to your self.

Embrace the presence of God.

Then listen. Give God time and space to speak.

If you want to learn more I highly recommend the book “Practicing the Presence of God” but Brother Lawrence. It was written in the 17th Century and is a timeless classic.

Practicing the Silence of God is one of my greatest pleasures.

Deborah

deborahacrazyjourney.com