Could it be that some important message has been trying to reach you now, but you have yet to open yourself up to it?
Find a comfortable quiet space, maybe a favorite chair or a spot at the park. Open your Bible to a passage, any passage. Read it slowly, either silently or aloud, and again four or five times. During each reading, be still, breathe, imagine savoring the message from the passage the way you’d appreciate the texture, smell and taste of a healthy meal. Focus on any words or phrases that stand out to you, any feelings that arise in your heart, or any thoughts that come to your mind. Listen for God’s message meant for you in the passage and carry it with you throughout the day. A few passages have been provided here to get you started.
- When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it. He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.” (Genesis 28:16-17)
- And thou shalt love thy Lord thy God with ALL thy heart and with ALL thy soul, and with ALL thy mind, and with ALL thy strength: this is the first commandment. (Mark 12:30)
- “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” (Psalm 23:6)
- Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)
- “Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.” (Psalm 61:1-3)
- “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. (Luke 6:27-32)
- Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. (Joshua 1:8)
- But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
- Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O Lord. (Psalm 25:4-7)
- “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
