Too much talk

An observation - amazing that so many talk the talk of wanting God to show up at their "worship services" but there is so little listening?

Silence is rare, silence is so brief. It takes so long to quiet one's soul at times, so even if we have silence, it is almost never long enough.

Another aspect of too much talk is in dealing with others and their issues, wounds, and hurts. We quickly want to talk at them about what is hurting, rather than listening. Like Job's friends, we are quick to fill the time with our words rather than listen to the hurt and just be present.

For God to move, silence is a necessary discipline. Not a "20 minute quiet time" as is so common in evangelical circles, but real, long silence. And sadly, our silence is often practiced only in solitude. We've long lost, it seems, the practice of silence practiced in a group. We're in such a rush. When's the last time you attended a "Sunday service" where they opened with even 5 minutes of silence to allow all to calm and steady their souls for the time together?

And our teachers and preachers - so quick to do "how to" lecturing rather than instructing and equipping others to listen to God. So quick to give the fish to fed you for the day, rather than teach you to fish, and find real life with God.

There's just too much talking ...