INSIDE LISTENING

Getting away to be alone is very important to those who want to listen and especially to those who want to hear. This can happen almost anywhere with training and discipline. However it seems easier for some of us to be quiet and listen in the woods or by the ocean, by a pond, a river or watching a pasture of cattle.

Wendell Berry, professor and author wrote, “true solitude is found in the wild places, where one is without human obligation” — the places where “one’s inner voices become audible.” Without our inner voice becoming audible we are undoubtedly listening to outer and other influences.

The secret to me is to practice carefully being present especially to my own inner thoughts, dreams, and words as I listen silently for the voice of the Lord. Without being present to the sound of the Lord it is very easy to allow my imagination to replace the audible inner voice of the Lord in my spirit.

“To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” Jesus