So you want to try this Hangin’ Out With God thing but you’re not exactly sure what to do once you get still and sit in a chair.
The absolute most important thing to remember is that this practice of stillness is not meant to be a guilt-producing performance thing. There is no right or wrong way to do it. There is no right or wrong kind of chair…in fact you don’t even need a chair! There is no right or wrong amount of time to spend with God. There is no agenda for the meeting nor will a report card be issued when you’re done. Remove all of your performance measures and just create the time and space to rest in His presence.
God promised that if you seek Him – you will find Him. His guarantee not mine.
Here are some “seeking” ideas for you to consider:
BE STILL
You may be sitting still but the internal chatter that runs rampant in your head all day and half the night is still running wild. The toughest part will be changing the channel and stilling your mind. No pressure. No agenda. No daily details that drag you in all directions. Find the will to chill (some days I need a seat belt!). It will take some time to unwind out of “DO mode” and simply BE.
Focus on the words of Psalm 46:10 and let the cares of this world melt away:
“Be still and know that I am God.”….and you are not so the pressure is off. Allow yourself to rest.
READ
This Yankee moved from Boston to Atlanta in 1992. I will never forget the culture shock. My first commute downtown on the MARTA train validated everything I’d ever heard about the Bible Belt. Three people on the train were actually studying their Bibles very intently. One of the women was even writing in her Bible. Gasp! The entire scene shocked me. I kept my distance from these Holy Roller Jesus Freaks.
All these years later, I now know those three people held absolute POWER in their hands. My entire life, I listened to God’s Word. My life wasn’t transformed until I read it and studied it for myself. God’s Word has the power to transform, to renew, to restore, to redeem. His Words will make you WHOLE and create in you an inner strength that is unshakeable. No matter what this world throws at you.
Scripture. Gotta have it! Take the time to find a translation that works for you – there’s a full range available – from funky to fancy. In the meantime, here’s an online Bible (and so much more) that you can check out.
There’s a reason the Bible is called the LIVING Word of God. It’s where the life is. Get some.
PRAY
Prayer gently shifts us into God’s presence. Your prayers can be as elaborate or as simple as you’re in the mood for. If you’re a brand new follower of Christ you can say something like, “Hello God. It’s me. I’m here to hang out with you. I want to get to know you. Please reveal yourself to me….” That’s an invitation our great God just can’t refuse. Be patient. No doubt He will show up.
I’d encourage you to just talk to God like you would a close friend. You can say formal prayers if you’d like but the real processing and connecting is done when you share your authentic self and the raw desires found at the very depths of your heart.
SING
It seems there’s a worship CD out there for every taste and genre of music. Some mornings, when I’m really happy, I dance around in my pajamas with my iTunes speaker in hand belting out some serious worship and praise to God. But I’ve also been known to sit quietly and soak in the lyrics of a song on days I might have more tears than words. This song has become a very special reminder to me that I can sit with God for a time – any time. He will restore me. He will cover me with who He is. Click the play button or song title to enjoy this favorite…
News flash! If you don’t own or don’t want to buy any “Christian” music. Lots of different music can qualify. When my world went dark, I’d sit quietly and listen over and over again to Sade’s “By Your Side.” I’d pretend it was God singing the words to me. How interesting that the album title is “Lovers Rock”…just click the play button or the song title to take a listen if you’d like…
JOURNAL
I’ve kept a journal on and off since the 8th grade. It’s always been a great outlet for me to process emotions, sort through a dilemma, capture thoughts and ideas I want to retain or express my gratitude (and sometimes my frustrations) to God. If you hate to write and don’t want to journal I have a solution for you: don’t do it! If any Christian tells you that journaling is a requirement for all “good” Christians, simply remind them that Jesus didn’t Journal.
MIX & MATCH
Check out any Christian bookstore for devotionals that can bring it all together for you. These books are a great place to start if you’re new at this. Many devotionals include daily Scripture, commentary to help you meditate on the passages and even journaling space to capture your moments of insight. A good one-stop-shop for the days your time is tight.
DECLARE
Declare your devotion. Declare your dependence on Him. Declare you can’t do this life on your own. Declare this life is hard but your ROCK Eternal is harder!
In summary, carve out some time to be still. Pull up a chair. Sit. Invite God in. Stay a while. He will show you who He truly is. Over time, practice His presence and He will redeem and restore you. You will be made whole in His presence.
The only cost is your precious time…and maybe some early morning sleep. No matter how much time you are able to carve out, expect a phenomenal return on your investment.
Remember this is not a guilt-producing performance thing. You’re not a slacker if you miss a day or if you choose never to hang out with God. But it’s where the LIFE is. Get some.
