Moses made it a practice to take his tent some distance from the camp to speak with God. (Exodus 33) He was known as one who spoke to God face to face.
After driving an hour and a half to Mouse Tail Landing Park in Linden, TN; I hiked about an hour and a half to two hours one way into the woods to a bluff overlooking the Tennessee River. The journey to the bluff was full of obstacles, turns, inclines, and scenery. Once there I spent several hours in complete silence and solitude reading, praying, and listening. Trying to find a bit of rest and balance for my soul.
At first I have to admit it was a bit awkward. I ate lunch, explored the area, and took some pictures. Then I began my time with God. I tried reading by blindly opening my bible and "allowing God to lead my reading". I got distracted. I allowed the wind to turn my pages and "lead my reading". I got distracted. I prayed a bit. I got distracted. This went on for a while, and finally in my disappointment of NOT hearing from God I had decided to make the journey back to my car.
In one last attempt at this silent retreat thing. I opened my bible to a couple of Psalms and began reading them out loud. One chapter and then another and then another. Finally my heart heard something it needed to hear.
I read it, I spoke it, and I heard it. I stopped and listened. God didn't speak to me audibly but through His Word.. It was exactly what I needed to hear and God knew that.
I know you may not be the adventurous type or have a lot of time on your hand. But I bet you could carve out about a half a day to "go some distance from the camp" and meet with God. You probably spend more than a half a day on less important stuff. It may be awkward at first. Stick it out and pursue, and God will speak! You'll be glad you did.
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