This morning I am reminded of the need to take a break. One definition of a break is ‘an interruption of continuity’. 

Last night I did not have a thought of what to write and this morning I did not either.  Perhaps the Lord is giving me an early start to next week, a week I had chosen to rest from my writing.

A break from routine will be good for me.  In this break I will be able to listen differently to the Lord. “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long” (Psalm 24:4-5). Perhaps you too would like to change up your routine for a week. What might you break from so that you hear the living Lord differently? A break could mean interrupting your routine, putting aside an activity you do daily.  It could also mean adding something to your week, as you break from what has been a pattern.  Both might give the option of listening to the Lord differently. 

Listening to God is a gift we have been given. He truly is a personal God who speaks in ways we need to hear, and he needs us to hear. Songwriter, Alfred Ackley, has said, “He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today. He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way.” Speaking through a quiet nudge, or what may seem like a loud word, the Spirit allows us to know the voice of our God. God talks, sometimes through others, and he talks powerfully through his Word. He speaks through visions and he speaks through inspirations. The scriptures remind me of this.  We read, “Today, if you hear his voice….” (Hebrews 3:15) and “his sheep hear his voice…” (John 10:27), and, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it" (Isaiah 30:21). Each of these verses remind me we have a God, known in Jesus, who speaks. What a gift is ours to talk with the living God!

I begin my break with this song that is a favourite hymn from childhood, yet has had a new refrain added, which I further rest in.  I believe I have shared it before, but it is worth listening to again. Perhaps this week you will begin a break as well.  May the Lord bless your week ahead with the hearing of his voice.

Be Still My Soul

Be still, my soul, The Lord is on thy side
Bear patiently, the cross of grief or pain
Leave to thy God, to order and provide
In every change, He faithful will remain

Be still, my soul, thy best thy heavenly friend
Through thorny ways, leads to a joyful end

Be still, my soul, thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past
Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake
All now mysterious shall be bright at last

Be still, my soul, the waves and wind still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below

In You I rest, in You I found my hope
In You I trust, You never let me go
I place my life within Your hands alone
Be still, my soul

Be still, my soul, the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored
Be still, my soul, when change and tears are past
All safe and blessed, we shall meet at last

In You I rest, in You I found my hope
In You I trust, You never let me go
I place my life within Your hands alone
Be still, my soul

In You I rest, in You I found my hope
In You I trust, You never let me go
I place my life within Your hands alone
Be still, my soul
Be still, my soul
Be still, my soul

We continue to keep you in our prayers during these unique and often challenging days,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq59iE3MhXM  (Be Still My Soul/In You I Rest)