Finding my Quiet Place
Spiritual Formation…those things that help you to grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ. Reading your Bible, prayer, journaling, walking, listening to sacred music, etc. All of these practices and more can be used to spend time with the Lord.
For the Beauty of the Earth
For the beauty of the earth,
for the glory of the skies,
for the love which from our birth
over and around us lies.
Refrain:
Christ, our Lord, to you we raise
this, our hymn of grateful praise. Written in 1864 by Folliott S. Pierpoint
My quiet places are normally outside or, if that is not possible, someplace where I can see the outdoors. I find all the greens of the leaves and grasses and the colors of the flowers to be visual reminders of the beauty of my Lord. The sound of water in a lake, sea, river, or fountain calms my mind and heart. The birds, insects, and even the dairy cows at the farm across the street remind me of the fullness of creation…every aspect of His creation blesses my heart. The smells of the pines and the ripe apples in the orchard are sweet aromas too.
My quiet place and times…well, they restore me. Being able to listen for the voice of my Lord or to read in His word those verses that are for me; for that day’s blessing and guidance. Even when His word contains a rebuke, I know I am being loved and cared for. Only a good Father cares enough to point out weaknesses and lead you toward a place of overcoming them.
We all have a need for finding a quiet place, some more than others, but we need to have time with our Lord and Savior, our Father, our precious Holy Spirit. Times dedicated to “being with” God are wonderful moments when we come to understand the true depth and faithfulness and love He has for us. It is in the quietness of our souls that the Lord is speaking most loudly.
Blessings to you,
Pastor Carri Johnson