It had been a good trip. Thousands of men had gathered on the Mall in Washington DC for a Promise Keepers rally. The glory of God had invaded the place. Great sermons and music had blessed all our hearts. Now riding on a chartered bus we were on our way home.

The trip home was going pretty good until somebody discovered that the bus had a PA system. Now there is something about a microphone that makes some men think they have something important to say. So one by one various men grabbed the microphone to “ share” their testimony. This was all good, I guess. But I tuned it out, because all I wanted to do was to ride in silence, look out the window and think about God’s great love.

We were riding through Virginia. The highway we were on gave us a great view of the Shenandoah Valley. Surrounded by hills and mountains this green valley stretches for miles. It is one of the most beautiful views in America. Never having seen it before, I was fascinated by the beauty of God’s handiwork. It was at this time that the microphone holder said, “ I want everyone to bow your head and close your eyes while I pray!” I said to myself “ I don’t think so you big dummy.”

It seems to me that men are always getting in God’s way. When The Father wants to show us great things, somebody wants us to close our eyes in prayer. When God wants to whisper in our ear, somebody wants to shout a sermon at us. And when the Lord wants us to be still and know that He is God, a lot of churches want to fill our lives with things to do.

Yes, it is true. We need to pray with each other, and we need to spend time encouraging each other. It is important to listen when people talk about what God is doing. It is also true that we need the church and the local church needs us. But we must never forget that even Jesus needed time to rest and be alone with His Father.

In His wisdom God has given us ears to hear, eyes to see, and hearts full of desire. So with your ears, listen to His still small voice. With your eyes, look for the beauty of His Holiness and with your heart, yearn for the peace that is beyond your understanding. The sweetest communion with God is found in the solitude of your soul. So learn to tune out the noise of the world and listen to the whisper of His voice.

Douglas & Deborah Huff

Email- pavementendsministry@gmail.com