Background sound

For so long I have tried to control the background sound to focus. I would either need silence or meticulously chosen sound, no in between. It either added to the static of my brain overthinking every thought that came or forced me to actually focus on the thoughts that entered in. If the environment I was in didn't fit all my needs, I was basically incapable of completing my tasks. Instead of allowing Him to move in any environment, I was creating my own box to be trapped in. The past few months, I have seen the LORD shift my perspective on this matter and bring me to a greater surrender. Instead of turning to change the environment I try and find the beauty. Sound is the evidence that there is life and silence allows space for rest. I can't control what is around me but I can control how I respond.

I used to believe that my prayers were like background sound to Abba. That they were just one of the millions of voices talking to Him. But no. He delights in my voice. He can pick me out in a crowd. It saddens the Father's heart to receive the silence from His children. He is the Father that hangs each one of our artworks on display and watches every performance we create. As I go about my day I have been meditating on this one question, "If God wrote about today with His child, what would it say?" This question is convicting. What would it say? Would it have pages filled with every detail of your day because you invited Abba in or would it have a few sentences of you quickly checking in?

As I get ready to leave my hometown and family for the field, I find myself tuning into the background sound more than my own thoughts. I'm going to miss the sound of my nieces saying "I want you" or "I need you" as they push aside what I'm doing to cuddle into my arms. I also find myself hearing the voice of my Father more clearly as I embrace moments of silence. I am learning that not every moment has to be filled to the top, often times the Lord will work with our empty cups and fill them to overflowing when we least expect it.

So here's my encouragement: Quiet yourself. Listen to the sounds or silence around you. See how you can invite Abba into every moment to make it holy. Or notice how He went before you and prepared the holy ground. Allow there to be space for Him to fill your cup to overflowing. He is worthy of your praise and you are worth His time.

"Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you."

Isaiah 43:4a ESV

Blessings in Christ Jesus,

Harper Foriest