Take Time to Listen
In order to truly hear and follow God, we must slow down and make time for contemplation and solitude.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of taking time to listen to God amidst our fast-paced lives, illustrating this with a story about Samuel Taylor Coleridge and a Quaker woman who questioned his busyness. Tozer argues that our hurried existence often prevents us from truly contemplating and hearing God's voice. He reflects on the importance of solitude and silence for spiritual growth and understanding, urging believers to prioritize moments of stillness to connect with God. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the ability to slow down and embrace this vital practice.
Text
The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. I opened my mouth and panted, for I longed for Your commandments. -Psalm 119:130-131
The Quakers had many fine ideas about life, and there is a story from them that illustrates the point I am trying to make. It concerns a conversation between Samuel Taylor Coleridge and a Quaker woman he had met. Maybe Coleridge was boasting a bit, but he told the woman how he had arranged the use of time so he would have no wasted hours. He said he memorized Greek while dressing and during breakfast. He went on with his list of other mental activities--making notes, reading, writing, formulating thoughts and ideas--until bedtime.
The Quaker listened unimpressed. When Coleridge was finished with his explanation, she asked him a simple, searching question: "My friend, when dost thee think?"
God is having a difficult time getting through to us because we are a fast-paced generation. We seem to have no time for contemplation. We have no time to answer God when He calls. Jesus, Author of our Faith, p. 46
"Thank You, Lord, that You convicted me some time ago about this need for time to think, of the need for solitude and silence. Make this increasingly possible for me, but also for many of my brothers and sisters who have not discovered the value of this slowing down. Amen."
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Listening to God
- The Dangers of a Busy Schedule
- The Value of Slowing Down
- Discovering the Importance of Time to Think
- Making Time for Solitude and Silence
Key Quotes
“The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. -Psalm 119:130-131” — A.W. Tozer
“God is having a difficult time getting through to us because we are a fast-paced generation.” — A.W. Tozer
“Thank You, Lord, that You convicted me some time ago about this need for time to think, of the need for solitude and silence.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Make time for solitude and silence to hear from God.
- Prioritize your schedule to make space for contemplation and reflection.
- Be intentional about slowing down and focusing on God in your daily life.