How to Hear God's Voice in a World That Never Gets Quiet

Is there a formula to Is there a formula to happiness? If there's a formula If there's a formula to get happy, to be happy, what would to get happy, to be happy, what would to get happy, to be happy, what would that formula look like? What would you that formula look like? What would you that formula look like? What would you include in your happiness potion, if you include in your happiness potion, if you include in your happiness potion, if you would? would? would? Harvard Professor Arthur Brooks says Harvard Professor Arthur Brooks says Harvard Professor Arthur Brooks says this about the online formula this about the online formula this about the online formula for happiness. He said, "Here it is. for happiness. He said, "Here it is. for happiness. He said, "Here it is. Number one, love things. Number one, love things. Number one, love things. Number two, Number two, Number two, use people. use people. use people. And number three, And number three, And number three, worship worship worship yourself." yourself." yourself." Now, Now, Now, every time you check your phone, every every time you check your phone, every every time you check your phone, every time you scroll or click or swipe, it time you scroll or click or swipe, it time you scroll or click or swipe, it doesn't mean that it's just going to doesn't mean that it's just going to doesn't mean that it's just going to jump out at you and go, "Hey, you know, jump out at you and go, "Hey, you know, jump out at you and go, "Hey, you know, use people and worship yourself." But use people and worship yourself." But use people and worship yourself." But underlying everything underlying everything underlying everything is that message is that message is that message of worship yourself, of worship yourself, of worship yourself, use people, use people, use people, love things.

love things. love things. It just underwrites everything we see. It just underwrites everything we see. It just underwrites everything we see. And what it does is it kind of turns us And what it does is it kind of turns us And what it does is it kind of turns us or puts us into this or puts us into this or puts us into this ongoing treadmill, this frenzy ongoing treadmill, this frenzy ongoing treadmill, this frenzy of activity of activity of activity and busyness and busyness and busyness and noise. and noise. and noise. This is where we live. As we're going This is where we live. As we're going This is where we live. As we're going through our work day, as we're meeting through our work day, as we're meeting through our work day, as we're meeting deadlines, as we're going to meetings, deadlines, as we're going to meetings, deadlines, as we're going to meetings, as we're meeting friends, we are as we're meeting friends, we are as we're meeting friends, we are constantly slaves slaves to technology. to technology. to technology. Slaves to our schedule, slaves to noise Slaves to our schedule, slaves to noise Slaves to our schedule, slaves to noise and busyness and news and videos. It and busyness and news and videos. It and busyness and news and videos. It just runs on a constant stream wherever just runs on a constant stream wherever just runs on a constant stream wherever we go and whatever we we go and whatever we we go and whatever we do. do. do. Give yourself a test or ask yourself the Give yourself a test or ask yourself the Give yourself a test or ask yourself the question. When you're driving in your question. When you're driving in your question. When you're driving in your car, car, car, do you ever stay in the right lane the do you ever stay in the right lane the do you ever stay in the right lane the whole trip?

whole trip? whole trip? Or are you always trying to get over in Or are you always trying to get over in Or are you always trying to get over in that left lane so you can pass because, that left lane so you can pass because, that left lane so you can pass because, unlike the car in front of you, you are unlike the car in front of you, you are unlike the car in front of you, you are in a hurry in a hurry in a hurry and you're important. and you're important. and you're important. How about this? How about this? How about this? You're getting a few items at the You're getting a few items at the You're getting a few items at the grocery store, just some milk and orange grocery store, just some milk and orange grocery store, just some milk and orange juice and some bread, and you're looking juice and some bread, and you're looking juice and some bread, and you're looking to find which one is the shortest line. to find which one is the shortest line. to find which one is the shortest line. And then as you get in the line, you're And then as you get in the line, you're And then as you get in the line, you're counting the items of the person in counting the items of the person in counting the items of the person in front of you because it's more than 10. And they're messing with your life, your And they're messing with your life, your schedule, your business cuz you are in a schedule, your business cuz you are in a schedule, your business cuz you are in a hurry. hurry. hurry. How about when you're sitting at a How about when you're sitting at a How about when you're sitting at a stoplight and you look out your right stoplight and you look out your right stoplight and you look out your right passenger side window or you look out passenger side window or you look out passenger side window or you look out the driver side window, what is the the driver side window, what is the the driver side window, what is the driver in the other car doing? What are they doing? What are they doing? They're looking at their phones. They're They're looking at their phones. They're They're looking at their phones. They're looking down. looking down. looking down. They're not looking to see if the They're not looking to see if the They're not looking to see if the stoplight is red, yellow, green, purple stoplight is red, yellow, green, purple stoplight is red, yellow, green, purple with yellow polka dots.

with yellow polka dots. with yellow polka dots. An elephant could run across a An elephant could run across a An elephant could run across a the street and they wouldn't catch it. We're busy. We're busy. We get anything we want with a click or We get anything we want with a click or We get anything we want with a click or a swipe and it better be there soon or a swipe and it better be there soon or a swipe and it better be there soon or the next day or that person's in the next day or that person's in the next day or that person's in trouble. I'm going to blow them up. And we want more. And we want more. More things, More things, More things, more likes, more likes, more likes, more activities, more activities, more activities, more goods and we want it faster, more goods and we want it faster, more goods and we want it faster, faster, faster, now, now, now. That That faster, faster, now, now, now. That That faster, faster, now, now, now. That That is the world That is the spirit of the is the world That is the spirit of the is the world That is the spirit of the times where we live. We're addicted. We're addicted. We're all addicts. All of us here are We're all addicts. All of us here are We're all addicts. All of us here are addicted addicted addicted to speed. We're addicted to noise. We're to speed. We're addicted to noise. We're to speed. We're addicted to noise. We're addicted to news. We're addicted to addicted to news. We're addicted to addicted to news. We're addicted to little videos. We're addicted to these to these so-called so-called so-called smartphones and screens smartphones and screens smartphones and screens that are ubiquitous in the world where that are ubiquitous in the world where that are ubiquitous in the world where you and I live.

you and I live. you and I live. No one is exempt. Centuries Centuries before we lived in this digital space, before we lived in this digital space, before we lived in this digital space, in this in this in this technological maze, technological maze, technological maze, scientist and philosopher Blaise Pascal scientist and philosopher Blaise Pascal scientist and philosopher Blaise Pascal wrote these prophetic words. He said, wrote these prophetic words. He said, wrote these prophetic words. He said, "The sole cause of man's unhappiness is "The sole cause of man's unhappiness is "The sole cause of man's unhappiness is that he doesn't know how to stay quietly that he doesn't know how to stay quietly that he doesn't know how to stay quietly in his room." The sole cause The sole cause of all unhappiness is that we cannot be of all unhappiness is that we cannot be of all unhappiness is that we cannot be alone alone alone in our rooms. Romans 12 says this. Romans 12 says this. Romans 12 says, "Don't allow the world Romans 12 says, "Don't allow the world Romans 12 says, "Don't allow the world to squeeze you to squeeze you to squeeze you into its mold.

into its mold. into its mold. Don't allow technology, Don't allow technology, Don't allow technology, your phones, your screens, your your phones, your screens, your your phones, your screens, your schedule, the pace of the culture that schedule, the pace of the culture that schedule, the pace of the culture that which you live in, don't allow it to which you live in, don't allow it to which you live in, don't allow it to squeeze you into its mold, but if we all squeeze you into its mold, but if we all squeeze you into its mold, but if we all could be a little bit honest here this could be a little bit honest here this could be a little bit honest here this morning, we would have to say, "You know morning, we would have to say, "You know morning, we would have to say, "You know what? We're all a little bit moldy." what? We're all a little bit moldy." what? We're all a little bit moldy." Just a little bit moldy. Just a little bit moldy. Just a little bit moldy. Because this is where we live. We live Because this is where we live. We live Because this is where we live. We live in a time where our screens, our social in a time where our screens, our social in a time where our screens, our social media, all this stuff, our connectivity media, all this stuff, our connectivity media, all this stuff, our connectivity is squeezing us into a particular kind is squeezing us into a particular kind is squeezing us into a particular kind of mold. of mold. of mold. And it threatens, I think, And it threatens, I think, And it threatens, I think, our very souls. The good news is, The good news is, God God God always always always provides a way out. provides a way out. provides a way out. No matter how jacked up, no matter how No matter how jacked up, no matter how No matter how jacked up, no matter how crazy, no matter how so-called busy a crazy, no matter how so-called busy a crazy, no matter how so-called busy a society is, his word, his truth, cuts society is, his word, his truth, cuts society is, his word, his truth, cuts through all of it.

through all of it. through all of it. What does he tell us in our key passage What does he tell us in our key passage What does he tell us in our key passage in this brand new series? 1 Timothy 4:8. in this brand new series? 1 Timothy 4:8. in this brand new series? 1 Timothy 4:8. Look at it. It says, "For physical Look at it. It says, "For physical Look at it. It says, "For physical training is of some value, but godliness training is of some value, but godliness training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding has value for all things, holding has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and promise for both the present life and promise for both the present life and the life to come." the life to come." the life to come." What is he saying here? Part one, What is he saying here? Part one, What is he saying here? Part one, exercise is a good thing. exercise is a good thing. exercise is a good thing. Physical training, walking, working out, Physical training, walking, working out, Physical training, walking, working out, playing tennis, playing pickleball, playing tennis, playing pickleball, playing tennis, playing pickleball, golfing, whatever you do, swimming, to golfing, whatever you do, swimming, to golfing, whatever you do, swimming, to get your body in motion, physical get your body in motion, physical get your body in motion, physical exercise has certain dividends for our exercise has certain dividends for our exercise has certain dividends for our bodies and for our souls as well. It's a bodies and for our souls as well. It's a bodies and for our souls as well. It's a good thing to work out. good thing to work out. good thing to work out. On the other hand, the second part of On the other hand, the second part of On the other hand, the second part of this, he's saying, this, he's saying, this, he's saying, spiritual training spiritual training spiritual training has a better ROI, a better return on the has a better ROI, a better return on the has a better ROI, a better return on the investment. Because it pays benefits investment. Because it pays benefits investment. Because it pays benefits now, in this reality, and also in the now, in this reality, and also in the now, in this reality, and also in the reality to come beyond the grave. reality to come beyond the grave. reality to come beyond the grave. So, if we want to So, if we want to So, if we want to all that God has for us, if we want to all that God has for us, if we want to all that God has for us, if we want to experience more of God, then we've got experience more of God, then we've got experience more of God, then we've got to enter into a time of spiritual to enter into a time of spiritual to enter into a time of spiritual training, what we're calling spiritual training, what we're calling spiritual training, what we're calling spiritual formation.

formation. formation. Years ago, a friend of mine Years ago, a friend of mine Years ago, a friend of mine uh saw me at at a birthday party. He uh saw me at at a birthday party. He uh saw me at at a birthday party. He came up to me and he goes to our church. came up to me and he goes to our church. came up to me and he goes to our church. He goes, "Hey, hey, hey man, you know, I He goes, "Hey, hey, hey man, you know, I He goes, "Hey, hey, hey man, you know, I was watching your preaching and I was was watching your preaching and I was was watching your preaching and I was just thinking, you know, you you look just thinking, you know, you you look just thinking, you know, you you look pretty good, but but you're too skinny. pretty good, but but you're too skinny. pretty good, but but you're too skinny. You You need to put on some muscle." You You need to put on some muscle." You You need to put on some muscle." I was like, "Well, I was like, "Well, I was like, "Well, yeah. Were you a detective or what?" So, yeah. Were you a detective or what?" So, yeah. Were you a detective or what?" So, so yeah, I said, "Okay." He goes, "Well, so yeah, I said, "Okay." He goes, "Well, so yeah, I said, "Okay." He goes, "Well, why man? I you know, I got a gym. You why man? I you know, I got a gym. You why man? I you know, I got a gym. You come to my gym. Meet me there and and come to my gym. Meet me there and and come to my gym. Meet me there and and I'll help you do it." And I said, "Well, I'll help you do it." And I said, "Well, I'll help you do it." And I said, "Well, I can't do it right now." I think the I can't do it right now." I think the I can't do it right now." I think the party was in May. I said, "August 1st. party was in May. I said, "August 1st. party was in May. I said, "August 1st. August 1st, I will come. I will show up August 1st, I will come. I will show up August 1st, I will come. I will show up at the gym and you can do whatever you at the gym and you can do whatever you at the gym and you can do whatever you want. I'm I'm in, okay?" want. I'm I'm in, okay?" want. I'm I'm in, okay?" So, So, So, couple months passed, August 1st, couple months passed, August 1st, couple months passed, August 1st, calendar, I show up at the gym. calendar, I show up at the gym. calendar, I show up at the gym. He gives me a trainer and I just listen He gives me a trainer and I just listen He gives me a trainer and I just listen to the trainer. to the trainer. to the trainer. The trainer tells me to do this and I do The trainer tells me to do this and I do The trainer tells me to do this and I do this. He tells me to not do this and I this. He tells me to not do this and I this. He tells me to not do this and I don't do this. He tells me to do this don't do this. He tells me to do this don't do this. He tells me to do this and I start doing all these new and I start doing all these new and I start doing all these new exercises, all these new practices I've exercises, all these new practices I've exercises, all these new practices I've never done. I'm eating things or eating never done. I'm eating things or eating never done. I'm eating things or eating more things I haven't eaten and I'm more things I haven't eaten and I'm more things I haven't eaten and I'm saying, "Hey, I'm in. I want to try to saying, "Hey, I'm in. I want to try to saying, "Hey, I'm in. I want to try to put on, I don't know, 12 lbs of muscle put on, I don't know, 12 lbs of muscle put on, I don't know, 12 lbs of muscle or so in this time period." Six months or so in this time period." Six months or so in this time period." Six months later, I actually did. Now, here's the later, I actually did. Now, here's the later, I actually did. Now, here's the deal.

deal. deal. I would not have gotten stronger. I not I would not have gotten stronger. I not I would not have gotten stronger. I not would have put on that muscle mass would have put on that muscle mass would have put on that muscle mass It's gone now. So, I would I would not It's gone now. So, I would I would not It's gone now. So, I would I would not would have would have would have put that on put that on put that on if it were not been for the personal if it were not been for the personal if it were not been for the personal trainer telling me, showing me what to trainer telling me, showing me what to trainer telling me, showing me what to do. do. do. And second of all, opening up my mind, And second of all, opening up my mind, And second of all, opening up my mind, my body, and my schedule to do my body, and my schedule to do my body, and my schedule to do new things. If I didn't do the new new things. If I didn't do the new new things. If I didn't do the new things, the new exercise, the new things, the new exercise, the new things, the new exercise, the new practices, if you would, I would not practices, if you would, I would not practices, if you would, I would not have seen any gains. have seen any gains. have seen any gains. It's the same thing with God. It's the same thing with God. It's the same thing with God. You say, "Wow, I I want to know more of You say, "Wow, I I want to know more of You say, "Wow, I I want to know more of God. I want to understand more of his God. I want to understand more of his God. I want to understand more of his plan and purposes for my life. How do I plan and purposes for my life. How do I plan and purposes for my life. How do I live it out in my relationships, at live it out in my relationships, at live it out in my relationships, at school, at work, etc.?" Then you have to school, at work, etc.?" Then you have to school, at work, etc.?" Then you have to open yourself up to new things in order open yourself up to new things in order open yourself up to new things in order to experience new life. to experience new life. to experience new life. If you don't open yourself to new things If you don't open yourself to new things If you don't open yourself to new things and new practices, then you can't grow, and new practices, then you can't grow, and new practices, then you can't grow, you can't progress to the next level you can't progress to the next level you can't progress to the next level that God has for you.

that God has for you. that God has for you. So, that's why this summer we're doing a So, that's why this summer we're doing a So, that's why this summer we're doing a brief series on spiritual formation. And brief series on spiritual formation. And brief series on spiritual formation. And spiritual spiritual formation, if you spiritual spiritual formation, if you spiritual spiritual formation, if you remember, describes the process remember, describes the process remember, describes the process process of how we become more process of how we become more process of how we become more like like like Christ. Christ. Christ. There's certain practices There's certain practices There's certain practices that Christians have engaged in for that Christians have engaged in for that Christians have engaged in for thousands of years now, thousands of years now, thousands of years now, in different places, in different parts in different places, in different parts in different places, in different parts of the country, from different of the country, from different of the country, from different backgrounds, but they've engaged in backgrounds, but they've engaged in backgrounds, but they've engaged in these same practices that allow them to these same practices that allow them to these same practices that allow them to grow deeper grow deeper grow deeper and wiser in the truth and the reality and wiser in the truth and the reality and wiser in the truth and the reality of God. Now, today of God. Now, today of God. Now, today we're going to look at what I believe to we're going to look at what I believe to we're going to look at what I believe to be, at least in my life, be, at least in my life, be, at least in my life, I I think it's the most valuable of of I I think it's the most valuable of of I I think it's the most valuable of of the spiritual formation that we'll look the spiritual formation that we'll look the spiritual formation that we'll look at. at. at. I I've been doing this for decades, I I've been doing this for decades, I I've been doing this for decades, almost every single almost every single almost every single day. day. day. So, I have a lot of experience here. I'm So, I have a lot of experience here. I'm So, I have a lot of experience here. I'm still trying to dial it in. I haven't still trying to dial it in. I haven't still trying to dial it in. I haven't arrived yet, but I've learned a lot over arrived yet, but I've learned a lot over arrived yet, but I've learned a lot over the years, and we will get into a little the years, and we will get into a little the years, and we will get into a little bit of it this week and more next week.

bit of it this week and more next week. bit of it this week and more next week. So, look at Mark chapter number 6, verse So, look at Mark chapter number 6, verse So, look at Mark chapter number 6, verse 30. If not, it's going to be on the 30. If not, it's going to be on the 30. If not, it's going to be on the screen. I know we have a lot of passages screen. I know we have a lot of passages screen. I know we have a lot of passages today. today. today. Mark 6:30. So, the followers of Jesus Mark 6:30. So, the followers of Jesus Mark 6:30. So, the followers of Jesus came back to him came back to him came back to him after they'd been out on a mission, after they'd been out on a mission, after they'd been out on a mission, and they told Jesus all they had done and they told Jesus all they had done and they told Jesus all they had done and taught. He said to them, "Listen." and taught. He said to them, "Listen." and taught. He said to them, "Listen." Christ said, "Come away from the people, Christ said, "Come away from the people, Christ said, "Come away from the people, be by yourselves and be by yourselves and be by yourselves and rest." rest." rest." There were many people coming and going, There were many people coming and going, There were many people coming and going, and they had no time even to eat. They and they had no time even to eat. They and they had no time even to eat. They went by themselves in a boat went by themselves in a boat went by themselves in a boat to a desert. Jesus knew Jesus knew the limitations the limitations the limitations of his followers. of his followers. of his followers. Jesus knows Jesus knows Jesus knows our limitations as human beings and how our limitations as human beings and how our limitations as human beings and how much information, much information, much information, how much activity, how much activity, how much activity, how much stress and bandwidth we have, how much stress and bandwidth we have, how much stress and bandwidth we have, and he calls and he calls and he calls them, just like he calls us, to come them, just like he calls us, to come them, just like he calls us, to come away, away, away, disconnect, in order to reconnect with disconnect, in order to reconnect with disconnect, in order to reconnect with the Father.

Now, Jesus didn't just invite people Now, Jesus didn't just invite people to come away and disconnect and rest, he to come away and disconnect and rest, he to come away and disconnect and rest, he modeled it. modeled it. modeled it. In Luke chapter 5, it says, "But Jesus In Luke chapter 5, it says, "But Jesus In Luke chapter 5, it says, "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places often withdrew to lonely places often withdrew to lonely places to pray." to pray." to pray." Mark 1, "Very early in the morning, Mark 1, "Very early in the morning, Mark 1, "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left his house, and went off to a left his house, and went off to a left his house, and went off to a solitary place solitary place solitary place where he prayed." where he prayed." where he prayed." Matthew 14, "After he dismissed them, he Matthew 14, "After he dismissed them, he Matthew 14, "After he dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself went up on a mountainside by himself went up on a mountainside by himself to pray." Let that sink in. Let that sink in. Jesus Jesus Jesus had only 3 years. had only 3 years. had only 3 years. 3 years to gather a group of men and 3 years to gather a group of men and 3 years to gather a group of men and women that he would train. 3 years to women that he would train. 3 years to women that he would train. 3 years to equip them. 3 years to start a movement equip them. 3 years to start a movement equip them. 3 years to start a movement that would change the world. He's that would change the world. He's that would change the world. He's teaching. He's healing. He's casting out teaching. He's healing. He's casting out teaching. He's healing. He's casting out demons. He's traveling.

demons. He's traveling. demons. He's traveling. He is He is He is the image of the living God, the unique the image of the living God, the unique the image of the living God, the unique son of God on earth. son of God on earth. son of God on earth. Yet, Yet, Yet, he makes space in his life he makes space in his life he makes space in his life for silence Now, I would argue that Jesus Christ had Now, I would argue that Jesus Christ had a a a pretty important task to fulfill. pretty important task to fulfill. pretty important task to fulfill. I would argue that Jesus Christ in this I would argue that Jesus Christ in this I would argue that Jesus Christ in this 3 years of a public life, when he was 3 years of a public life, when he was 3 years of a public life, when he was making it happen, if you would, was making it happen, if you would, was making it happen, if you would, was pretty busy. pretty busy. pretty busy. I would say he had a little bit of I would say he had a little bit of I would say he had a little bit of pressure on him. pressure on him. pressure on him. And yet, he took time he took time to enter into to enter into to enter into a place a place a place of silence of silence of silence and solitude and solitude and solitude to hear to hear to hear the Father's the Father's the Father's voice.

Kind of scary, isn't it? Kind of scary, isn't it? Seemed a lot longer. Our minds, Our minds, our hearts, our hearts, our hearts, our souls, our spirits crave our souls, our spirits crave our souls, our spirits crave crave crave crave silence silence silence and solitude. Mother Teresa said this. She said that Mother Teresa said this. She said that God is the friend of silence. God is the friend of silence. God is the friend of silence. His language is silence and he requires His language is silence and he requires His language is silence and he requires us to be silent to discover him. In this In this crazy crazy crazy incessant waters of technology that we swim in waters of technology that we swim in every single day, we have to every single day, we have to every single day, we have to get away. get away. get away. Take some rest Take some rest Take some rest and make space and make space and make space for solitude and silence in our lives.

Moses Moses when he was called to when he was called to when he was called to release his people from bondage and release his people from bondage and release his people from bondage and slavery was in the outer wilderness when he heard God speak. when he heard God speak. Paul went to Arabia for at least 3 years Paul went to Arabia for at least 3 years Paul went to Arabia for at least 3 years in the desert to hear God speak. to hear God speak. John was exiled on the Isle of Patmos John was exiled on the Isle of Patmos John was exiled on the Isle of Patmos when he heard God speak and he gave him when he heard God speak and he gave him when he heard God speak and he gave him the revelation of the end of the world. Psalm says Psalm says be still and know that I am and know that I am God. It does not say, "Be busy It does not say, "Be busy and know that I'm God." and know that I'm God." and know that I'm God." It does not say, "Get in a hurry and It does not say, "Get in a hurry and It does not say, "Get in a hurry and know that I'm God." It doesn't say, know that I'm God." It doesn't say, know that I'm God." It doesn't say, "Perform before me and know that I am "Perform before me and know that I am "Perform before me and know that I am No, no, no.

A lot of us here A lot of us here have been to rehab. have been to rehab. have been to rehab. Some of us have been to rehab to get Some of us have been to rehab to get Some of us have been to rehab to get free from an addiction. Some of us have free from an addiction. Some of us have free from an addiction. Some of us have been to rehab for a shoulder surgery or been to rehab for a shoulder surgery or been to rehab for a shoulder surgery or knee surgery or whatever. We We We know knee surgery or whatever. We We We know knee surgery or whatever. We We We know what it is to go to a what it is to go to a what it is to go to a rehab, to be rehabilitated. I I I I think 99.9% I I I I think 99.9% of us here need spiritual rehab of us here need spiritual rehab of us here need spiritual rehab of silence and solitude on a daily of silence and solitude on a daily of silence and solitude on a daily basis. We do. basis. We do. basis. We do. We do. We do. We do. We're not going to make it through We're not going to make it through We're not going to make it through without those moments of silence and without those moments of silence and without those moments of silence and solitude in our schedule, in our days. solitude in our schedule, in our days. solitude in our schedule, in our days. We're simply not going to make it We're simply not going to make it We're simply not going to make it through. through. through. There are too many demands. There are too many demands. There are too many demands. There's too much stuff swimming inside There's too much stuff swimming inside There's too much stuff swimming inside of our heads and our brains. Too much of our heads and our brains. Too much of our heads and our brains. Too much information coming in. Too many things information coming in. Too many things information coming in. Too many things that are tempting us to get involved that are tempting us to get involved that are tempting us to get involved with and buy and give our emotional time with and buy and give our emotional time with and buy and give our emotional time and energy to. We have to be able to say and energy to. We have to be able to say and energy to. We have to be able to say no to that. no to that. no to that. No to that. No to that. No to that. And yes to him to spend time alone And yes to him to spend time alone And yes to him to spend time alone in silence and solitude.

in silence and solitude. in silence and solitude. Solitude Solitude Solitude is nurturing. Solitude is a place of is nurturing. Solitude is a place of is nurturing. Solitude is a place of refuge in the storm. Solitude is a refuge in the storm. Solitude is a refuge in the storm. Solitude is a sanctuary of safety and security and sanctuary of safety and security and sanctuary of safety and security and stability in our lives. stability in our lives. stability in our lives. And in a world that feels like it's And in a world that feels like it's And in a world that feels like it's spinning spinning spinning out of control. We just got back from the mountain We just got back from the mountain retreat in Glorieta, New Mexico, with a retreat in Glorieta, New Mexico, with a retreat in Glorieta, New Mexico, with a lot of our students. lot of our students. lot of our students. >> [applause] >> And we had a great time up there. And >> And we had a great time up there. And one of the things we did, uh which we've one of the things we did, uh which we've one of the things we did, uh which we've done a lot of retreats, is we had done a lot of retreats, is we had done a lot of retreats, is we had moments of silence and solitude called moments of silence and solitude called moments of silence and solitude called silent sounds. silent sounds. silent sounds. We had them in the morning, we had them We had them in the morning, we had them We had them in the morning, we had them in the evening. And all this is our in the evening. And all this is our in the evening. And all this is our attempt to enter into this practice of attempt to enter into this practice of attempt to enter into this practice of spiritual formation spiritual formation spiritual formation in order to hear God speak to us and to in order to hear God speak to us and to in order to hear God speak to us and to quiet our hearts and our minds before quiet our hearts and our minds before quiet our hearts and our minds before him. him. him. So that So that So that we'll take that mountain top experience we'll take that mountain top experience we'll take that mountain top experience and bring it down into the valleys and bring it down into the valleys and bring it down into the valleys where you and I where you and I where you and I live.

live. live. How do you do it? How do you do it? How do you do it? Many of you here today could stand up Many of you here today could stand up Many of you here today could stand up and say, "Yeah, and say, "Yeah, and say, "Yeah, amen. I can testify to that. I've been amen. I can testify to that. I've been amen. I can testify to that. I've been setting uh a time to have solitude and setting uh a time to have solitude and setting uh a time to have solitude and silence for many years and here are the silence for many years and here are the silence for many years and here are the benefits." Some of us, it's a brand new benefits." Some of us, it's a brand new benefits." Some of us, it's a brand new thing for you. You're starting it. thing for you. You're starting it. thing for you. You're starting it. What do you do? What do you do? What do you do? Several things. We'll look at more next Several things. We'll look at more next Several things. We'll look at more next week. week. week. But first of all, set a time. But first of all, set a time. But first of all, set a time. Set a time of day, early in the morning, Set a time of day, early in the morning, Set a time of day, early in the morning, midday, at night, doesn't matter. Set a midday, at night, doesn't matter. Set a midday, at night, doesn't matter. Set a time. time. time. Find a place. Find a place. Find a place. Maybe it's a special place in your Maybe it's a special place in your Maybe it's a special place in your house, a special chair where you sit. house, a special chair where you sit. house, a special chair where you sit. Maybe you take a walk that's better for Maybe you take a walk that's better for Maybe you take a walk that's better for you. Find a place. And then three, turn you. Find a place. And then three, turn you. Find a place. And then three, turn it off. Turn off the technology it off. Turn off the technology it off. Turn off the technology to tune in to God. to tune in to God. to tune in to God. Turn it off to tune in to him to hear Turn it off to tune in to him to hear Turn it off to tune in to him to hear his voice. You can't make it. You can't make it. I can't make it. We can't make it I can't make it. We can't make it I can't make it. We can't make it without being recharged by him. Think without being recharged by him. Think without being recharged by him. Think about it. We have to recharge how many about it. We have to recharge how many about it. We have to recharge how many different stinking things every day or different stinking things every day or different stinking things every day or we can't use our precious gadgets, we can't use our precious gadgets, we can't use our precious gadgets, right?

right? right? How much more How much more How much more do our human bodies, our minds, our do our human bodies, our minds, our do our human bodies, our minds, our souls, our spirits need to recharge with souls, our spirits need to recharge with souls, our spirits need to recharge with the grace and mercy and word of God? the grace and mercy and word of God? the grace and mercy and word of God? We all need that. We crave that. We all need that. We crave that. We all need that. We crave that. So, do those things. So, do those things. So, do those things. >> [applause] >> Set a time, find a place, turn it off. >> Set a time, find a place, turn it off. And the next week we'll talk about what And the next week we'll talk about what And the next week we'll talk about what you feel in that space when you enter you feel in that space when you enter you feel in that space when you enter into a time of silence and solitude. into a time of silence and solitude. into a time of silence and solitude. Now, Now, Now, listen, I I don't I I don't want to listen, I I don't I I don't want to listen, I I don't I I don't want to impose emptiness impose emptiness impose emptiness spirituality spirituality spirituality on moms who have a full nest right now, on moms who have a full nest right now, on moms who have a full nest right now, right? With babies and toddlers. I get right? With babies and toddlers. I get right? With babies and toddlers. I get it, okay? I get it. it, okay? I get it. it, okay? I get it. We're at different seasons in our life. We're at different seasons in our life. We're at different seasons in our life. So, this is not about So, this is not about So, this is not about quantity. This is about quality. Finding quantity. This is about quality. Finding quantity. This is about quality. Finding sometimes just minutes a day sometimes just minutes a day sometimes just minutes a day if you have baby and kids in arms around if you have baby and kids in arms around if you have baby and kids in arms around you, just minutes a day where you can you, just minutes a day where you can you, just minutes a day where you can take a deep breath, where you can pray, take a deep breath, where you can pray, take a deep breath, where you can pray, where you can meditate on God's word, where you can meditate on God's word, where you can meditate on God's word, and and and then go from there. So, I and and and then go from there. So, I and and and then go from there. So, I understand we're at different places in understand we're at different places in understand we're at different places in our in our life and our life stations.

our in our life and our life stations. our in our life and our life stations. But we have to ask ourselves the But we have to ask ourselves the But we have to ask ourselves the question this morning question this morning question this morning this. We have to ask ourselves the this. We have to ask ourselves the this. We have to ask ourselves the question, what's keeping you? question, what's keeping you? question, what's keeping you? What's the noise in your life that's What's the noise in your life that's What's the noise in your life that's keeping you from hearing keeping you from hearing keeping you from hearing the Father speak? When was the last time you intentionally When was the last time you intentionally carved out space carved out space carved out space in your day, in your schedule in your day, in your schedule in your day, in your schedule to enter into a time of solitude and to enter into a time of solitude and to enter into a time of solitude and silence? When was that? We know the We know the online formula for happiness is online formula for happiness is online formula for happiness is cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs. We shouldn't cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs. We shouldn't cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs. We shouldn't love things, use people, and worship love things, use people, and worship love things, use people, and worship yourself. yourself. yourself. As Dr. Brooke said, we should reverse As Dr. Brooke said, we should reverse As Dr. Brooke said, we should reverse it. it. it. Love God, Love God, Love God, worship God, love people, and use worship God, love people, and use worship God, love people, and use things. things. things. That's the proper order. God invites us God invites us to experience to experience to experience more of him through this more of him through this more of him through this practices of spiritual formation.

Several years ago, uh I had Several years ago, uh I had opportunity to go to a baseball playoff opportunity to go to a baseball playoff opportunity to go to a baseball playoff game, and I had seats right behind home game, and I had seats right behind home game, and I had seats right behind home plate. plate. plate. It was for uh first-grade coach pitch It was for uh first-grade coach pitch It was for uh first-grade coach pitch baseball playoffs. baseball playoffs. baseball playoffs. And And And got some of you. So, got some of you. So, got some of you. So, I was there, and I was there, and I was there, and there's a little first-grader who I knew there's a little first-grader who I knew there's a little first-grader who I knew named Thomas on first base, and his named Thomas on first base, and his named Thomas on first base, and his little friend was at the plate. It was little friend was at the plate. It was little friend was at the plate. It was at the key point of the game, and at the key point of the game, and at the key point of the game, and coach just lobbed that perfect pitch coach just lobbed that perfect pitch coach just lobbed that perfect pitch over the plate. That little first-grader over the plate. That little first-grader over the plate. That little first-grader made contact with the ball. It kind of made contact with the ball. It kind of made contact with the ball. It kind of dribbles through the infield, goes dribbles through the infield, goes dribbles through the infield, goes through the legs, you know, of the through the legs, you know, of the through the legs, you know, of the shortstop probably, goes into the shortstop probably, goes into the shortstop probably, goes into the outfield, and Thomas is at first, and outfield, and Thomas is at first, and outfield, and Thomas is at first, and the first base and the and the third the first base and the and the third the first base and the and the third base coach and the and the crowd's base coach and the and the crowd's base coach and the and the crowd's going, "Run! going, "Run! going, "Run! Run, Thomas, run!" So, he is running as Run, Thomas, run!" So, he is running as Run, Thomas, run!" So, he is running as fast as any first-grader can, and man, fast as any first-grader can, and man, fast as any first-grader can, and man, he says foot touches that second base, he says foot touches that second base, he says foot touches that second base, and they're going, "Run! Run, you can and they're going, "Run! Run, you can and they're going, "Run! Run, you can make it at third. Go!" And they're make it at third. Go!" And they're make it at third. Go!" And they're waving him on, and he gets about waving him on, and he gets about waving him on, and he gets about halfway, and the coach looks, and he's halfway, and the coach looks, and he's halfway, and the coach looks, and he's like, "Stop, Thomas, stop! Stop!" And like, "Stop, Thomas, stop! Stop!" And like, "Stop, Thomas, stop! Stop!" And now the crowd's going, "Stop! Stop!" cuz now the crowd's going, "Stop! Stop!" cuz now the crowd's going, "Stop! Stop!" cuz I knew he couldn't make it home, he was I knew he couldn't make it home, he was I knew he couldn't make it home, he was going to get thrown out. They're going, going to get thrown out. They're going, going to get thrown out. They're going, "Stop! Stop! Don't run! Stop!" And one "Stop! Stop! Don't run! Stop!" And one "Stop! Stop! Don't run! Stop!" And one voice in the crowd goes, "Run, Thomas, voice in the crowd goes, "Run, Thomas, voice in the crowd goes, "Run, Thomas, run." And so run." And so run." And so you know what happens. So, he ignores you know what happens. So, he ignores you know what happens. So, he ignores his coach, ignores the crowd, and that his coach, ignores the crowd, and that his coach, ignores the crowd, and that one little voice that said, "Run, run."

one little voice that said, "Run, run." one little voice that said, "Run, run." He just takes off, rounds third as fast He just takes off, rounds third as fast He just takes off, rounds third as fast as he can, throws at the plate, and as he can, throws at the plate, and as he can, throws at the plate, and he's safe, he's safe, he's safe, says the judge. says the judge. says the judge. Right? Right? Right? So, So, So, >> [applause] >> you're wondering, >> you're wondering, or maybe you're not wondering, why out or maybe you're not wondering, why out or maybe you're not wondering, why out of the coach's voice and all the crowd's of the coach's voice and all the crowd's of the coach's voice and all the crowd's voice, why in the world did little voice, why in the world did little voice, why in the world did little Thomas listen to that one contrarian Thomas listen to that one contrarian Thomas listen to that one contrarian voice from the stands? Because that Because that was the voice was the voice was the voice of his father. of his father. of his father. And Thomas had learned And Thomas had learned And Thomas had learned to hear to hear to hear the voice the voice the voice of his father of his father of his father above the noise above the noise above the noise of the crowd. Why Why should we retreat into silence and should we retreat into silence and should we retreat into silence and solitude? Why?

In order In order to hear to hear to hear the Father's voice