Pastor's Corner

LISTENING FOR THE STILL SMALL VOICE OF GOD

     Amid the recent disturbing news of the collapse of some of our major financial institutions and the economic downturn that is sweeping around the world, it has been interesting to hear how people have responded to the crisis.  In these final weeks before the election, it has replaced the war in Iraqi, education, health care and all other issues as the number one question being addressed by both the candidates and the media.  It is being discussed in board rooms and coffee shops not only in our nation but in almost every nation around the globe.  It certainly has the potential to affect the lives of the young and the old, the rich and the poor. 

     My older brother who is retired and financial savvy is constantly watching the news networks as well as the financial networks to hear the latest swing and to gather the most promising approach to financial security in these turbulent times.  He has gone so far as to formulate in his mind the strategy that the federal government and the world markets are going to do in order to recover from the recent events.  He has also formulated his response to what he perceives will happen in the days to come.  He has taken on a proactive response to the crisis.

     My father on the other hand has paid very little attention to the recent financial news.  Here is a man who was raised in the midst of the depression and who has been very conservative in his handling of his finances.  Dad is concerned but not for the well-being of his retirement fund but rather for the future of his grandsons and great-grandchildren.  Dad has decided that he is staying the financial course and that he will not react to the recent news.

     With the news of economic crisis coming at us from around the globe and with talking heads telling us what we should and shouldn’t do about our future, it's no wonder many of us feel disconnected from the still, quiet interior places where God's reassuring voice can be heard.  We turn the television and radio up and feel uncomfortable when there are those moments of silence that creep into our lives.  We find ourselves more willing to listen to the stranger on television than we are to listen to God.  Even in church, we find ourselves uncomfortable if there is a silent pause in the worship service that last for more than a few seconds.  Even we do attempt to listen to the still small voice of God; there are so many distractions, both internal as well as external, that we seldom get to hear what God has to say.

     The good news is that God longs for us so much that He understands our barriers and limitations. And fortunately for us, God is much more willing to speak than we are to listen.  There is much going on in our lives and in the world at this moment.  We will be asked to make some very important decisions in the days to come - decisions that will not only affect our lives, but our community, our nation, and our world.  And quite honestly we need help to make these decisions – help not from the political talk shows on radio or from the dozen of so-called financial experts on television – but help from God.  We need to listen to what God has to say on the priorities in our lives, in dealing with crisis, and seeking the strength that we need to seek in our day to day living.  Which means that we need to turn off the distractions in our world and be silent and listen.

     Perhaps it would be helpful to keep this prayer in our hearts:

    Gracious God, when my life is moving along at break-neck speed, I feel so distracted from the things that are really important to my heart and soul. It seems like my lack of focus keeps me from paying attention to what really nourishes me. Help me learn to give less priority to what only leaves me feeling empty. Remind me that when I give priority to what is really important everything else falls into place with greater ease. I ask this for the sake of your love. Amen.

Bro. Chuck