30 Minutes of Silence?

Revelation is truly an amazing read!

I hope you have read it or are joining me. If so, you understand my experience.

Today, in Revelation 8, the Seventh Seal was opened. When this seal was opened, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.

Usually, I would've breezed by that, but not today. It hit me what 30 minutes of silence in heaven would seem like.

I mean, have YOU ever had 30 minutes of just silence lately? No television, podcast, Itunes, cell phone vibrating, people talking, computer screen tasks....?

I thought about that challenge. What would it be like to have 30 minutes of silence just focused on God today?

What would be different as a result? Could I do it?

I am considering trying it.

In addition to Revelation, I read Daniel 4. I was so surprised (yes, again) to see that after the fiery furnace experience in seeing the three young men survive his punishment, King Nebuchadnezzar still relied on his magicians, astrologers, and self instead of God. I mean, what does it take?

It obviously took more for him to get it. One more dream. One more interpretation.
-And
Seven years of insanity as a result before he came to the point of saying," His dominion is an eternal dominion; ...He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven...No one can hold back his hand or say to him, 'What have you done?'"

The King liked worshiping gods he felt he could control. With that control came so much pride in his accomplishments, and he did have a lot of accomplishments. Yet he never recognized the source of his achievements. As a result, in mid-boast, God struck him with insanity and banished him from his kingdom for seven years before the king finally returned and not only professed God's greatness but also God's control over all things and people.

In reflecting, I am sure God feels the same way about me. I mean what does it take for me to get it some days? God has done so much for me, but there are still times I lapse into CONTROL issues. There I times I seek help or solace from earthly sources rather than God (ever hear of comfort food?).

I am not much different than King Nebuchadnezzar. I'm few million dollars poorer, but I'm not that much in forgetting at times who is in control of this life.

Forgive me, God, in my 30 minutes of silence today. Help me focus on you and your love. You and your mercy. You.

Hear that?

The presence of God in the silence is sweet.

For His Glory,
Gretchen