Let your words be few
Heatwave! These last few days have been hot hot hot! It’s all a little too much for me as even the nights are boiling.
However, it’s good to be thankful so I’m grateful for the local Costa that has air-con where I have met people in a cool 18 degrees.
Recently I was reading the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes. The author reveals himself as ‘the Teacher’ to which it is widely accepted to be King Solomon, the wise Son of King David.
In chapter five he talks about the Temple. This was the place of sacrifice, worship and prayer for Israel for many years. It was a very important and holy place where God ‘dwelt’. Outside was a bustling noisy and smelly place where the priests performed their duties, but inside was to be different, as Solomon wrote...
“Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”
The guidance here is simple, as you get before God, don’t do all the talking. Instead be quiet, be still and listen. Why, and here’s the exciting bit, because God wants to talk to you.
This is awesome! The God who created the whole universe wants to be known on a personal level and communicate directly just like one person talks to another. I still find this overwhelming and beautiful at the same time.
Can I encourage you to really reflect on these two verses? Then set a time and a place aside to come before God and just listen. He is waiting and he wants to speak to you...
Also, why not check out our live stream service every Sunday at 10:30am, simply go to www.hopebasingstoke.org/livestream
Stay safe
God bless
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader