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Premier Christian Radio Your voice of hope!
Isaiah 53:7a NLT
‘He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word.’
The purpose of a spiritual director is to listen alongside you as both seek to discern God’s voice. At times their experience proves richer and deeper than yours and they may enquire after your reactions and responses in light of all you have communicated. This was what happened on my week of silence and stillness.
I was describing how reflecting upon certain episodes in my life created a tension within my chest. How this restricted my breath and was painful more than simply uncomfortable. Asked what I did in response, I described how I tried to detach from the thought and get rid of a physical experience I didn’t enjoy. My director then asked if I had ever stayed with the physical feeling, to which I replied I hadn’t. She then suggested that physical discomfort and even pain can be a means through which God can speak. She suggested to remain within my physical discomfort, asking God what it was I was to listen to. She stressed that if the physical sensation grew too great, I was to step away as had been my habit, for this was not about psychological self-harming.
Her words resonated with me, and throughout the rest of that week I remained for as long as I felt comfortable within the discomfort. I discovered a greater depth to my understanding of how I understood friendship and observed those with whom I’d grown disappointed. I was able to gauge my own responsibility rather than just projecting blame upon the other.
Discerning the voice of God requires me to listen for His voice. This voice will always find an echo within revealed scripture and there will be evidence throughout the long tradition of the Church of how others have similarly discerned God. My immediate and understandable commitment to my own welfare can fill my horizons with thoughts about me alone. I have to breathe deeply and choose to push those horizons back beyond the point at which self-interest and self-preservation obscure God’s voice and God’s presence.
QUESTION: Have you the courage to abide in those places where you feel discomfort?
PRAYER: Lord, lead me deeper to find truth and not to run away when it feels hard.
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