As part of my spiritual journey, for many, many years, I have used a journal to connect with God, to deepen my faith life, and expand the breadth of my spirituality. When I journal, it’s a two part process: an approach I learned in 1991.
The first part is me talking with God—written in conversational tone. The second half of my writing is when I get still and listen. I allow God to speak to me through the pen and paper
From my journaling, I receive awe inspiring messages of hope and encouragement, I am provided with clarity in perspectives, plus receive guidance and affirmations.
Psalm 32:8 says “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you and watch over you.” This became very evident in a series of messages I received last year.
In January of 2006, I kept getting the message “Be Still and Listen.” It was a persistent message that drilled so deeply into my bones that, literally, all I did for months was listen to a specific collection of 19 songs. My life was moving in a direction I didn’t quite understand. Although, I wasn’t balking either because it felt so right.
At the time, I was in formation for Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP [pronounced “chirp”]) and I had a strong inner pull and needed to keep listening to these songs—whether I was in the car, during down time at home and even on my computer as I worked. God was transforming me—helping me learn how to “Be Still and Listen”.
Just as Jesus commanded the seas, in Mark 4:39 “Quiet: Be Still!” I know these are valuable words of wisdom for me to apply as well. Like “Quiet: Be Still Judy!”
When I’m frazzled, a favorite passage of mine to focus on is Zephaniah 3:17 "He will quiet you with his love." I keep these words close by as I need to recall on them often because they help me to be still.
