“Stilling the Soul to Encounter God”

Sept.6, 2009 Psalm 131   Play AUDIO (mp3)  Play VIDEO (wmv)
●    FRAZZLED - FOR WHAT?
    ○    hectic pace of life reaps ill effects, guilt
    ○    Christianity not ‘do’ but ‘done’: permission to rest in knowing God
●    LEARN YOUR LIMITS
    ○    ‘song of ascents’ - clues for approaching God
    ○    not proud / haughty: staff at Buckingham Palace excellent at serving despite high position (1)
    ○    not concerned with matters too great: keep margins in schedule
●    STILLING THE SOUL TO KNOW GOD
    ○    calm / quiet a contrast to culture’s rush (2; 46:10; 37:7)
    ○    taking time out modelled by Moses, Paul, Jesus (Ex 24:14,19; Gal 1:18; Lk 6:12; Mk 1:35; Jn 6:15; Mk 14:32,23; Is 30:15)
    ○    long for placid waters when canoing
    ○    different from emptying mind in eastern meditation
    ○    George Mueller meditated on Bible, reading over 200 times in his life
●    WEANED OF DESIRES, TO HOPE IN GOD
    ○    image of weaned child: trust, companionship, contentment (2)
    ○    hope in God rather than pleasures of this life (3)
    ○    Augustine found victory over lust by discovering ‘sovereign joy’ in God