Want More Creative Clarity? Go On a Date with God

I shared this insight with a dear friend this week, but I feel the message (as usual) was to me, first!

Most of us here are seeking God’s voice concerning what’s the next step in using our talent. Only a few of us will feel that we’ve been able to achieve that.

ALFG subscriber and fellow artist Devin Smith said in a recent interview that hearing from God is not difficult. The challenge is paying attention to realize when He’s speaking.

That’s where the Catch 22 sets in: We get passionate about our creative opportunities, but distractions and rushed “conversation” with God limits our ability to hear Him about our talent or just life in general.

SUGGESTION:

Rather than pushing you to go on a fast, or lock yourself in a room with just your bible, I want to challenge you to do something more relevant…go on a date with God.

WHY:

Just like a couple that’s dating or even married, if their communication is limited to mostly when they are in the car on the way to work or quick moments on the go, they can only get to know each other so well.
But if they carve out a segment of time with no distractions (no cell phone, Facebook,  people, etc.) and replace a part of the regular week with an hour “prayer walk” or  a lunch break for two, they can open up to each other and hear things that they did not hear spoken before. Deep things. Intimate insight.

HOW:

1. Find a place where you and God can get alone. A trail to walk on or even a parking lot to sit in are great places to use.

2. Next, I suggest, just like on any date, you first open up to God and talk to Him OUT LOUD (yes, out loud!). This is simply old-fashioned prayer. Pray about whatever comes to mind. The gesture alone of praying out loud and conversationally will create a level of intimacy with you and the Holy Spirit that sets the stage for what comes next…

3…LISTEN. Like on any date and in any relationship, you must open up and talk to the one you love, but you MUST also be a listener, too. Listening to God’s voice, you’ll “hear” ideas and concepts and other exciting things you WANT to hear. But be prepared to also hear loving correction and things you may NOT WANT to hear from God as he directs you.

CHALLENGE TO YOU NEXT WEEK:

I challenge you to steal away for a one hour break with God to get to know Him better and to eventaully hear what He’s been saying to you.
Share your experience here on the blog!

• Do you “date” God now? If so, what motivates you to keep it going?
• Don’t get to spend the time with God that you know you should?
• Share your insight, thoughts or questions below: