the means to transform my heart (pt. 1)

The vision to transform my heart is the central vision of renovation because the heart is where all choices are made. When you actually intend to surrender to God’s will in your life, your heart will try to figure out every way possible why you can’t or you don’t need to.

This is why as you begin this heart “transplant,” don’t expect to always follow God’s way. What is necessary is to confess your need for transformation and to continue surrendering to God. He will work with you along the way and will make it more and more possible for you to actually participate with him. Here are to tools God has set up for us to be transformed. This week I will focus on four spiritual disciplines God has given us to be transformed in our surrender.

silence and solitude
“Jesus went out in the desert alone.

”Lord, where did you go? We couldn’t find you.”

Before every major decision, Jesus spent time alone and prayed. Why?Silence and solitude are related spiritual disciplines that have rich history. Spending time alone and quiet is a refreshment for your very soul.

I asked one of our sons why he thought Jesus was so fond of being alone and he said, “To get away from all the sin for awhile.”We don’t have that advantage as we bring sin with us, but that is a keen observation.

Like soldiers in the time of war pausing to play a football game, it is good to get away. But with silence and solitude, we may get away from all the busyness of business, the ups and downs of our daily lives, but we actually are more “bothered” by someone else. God.

During times of being alone and quiet, God has a chance to really get our attention. In the Orthodox Church tradition before the gospel is read the priest commands the congregation with a simple word,“Attend!”This is what silence and solitude can do for us. Cause a pause.

How?

• Start with five minutes or so at the end of each day, reviewing what happened. Go in your room or go for a walk and reflect on the people you came into contact with and their needs, review where you need forgiveness from God, and review where you need prayer. Then just spend time thinking of nothing, just being present to God.
  
  
• After you have done five minutes for a while, work towards 20 minutes a day.
  
  
• Then, consider adding one solid hour a week in silence and solitude.
  
  
• Then one day a month.
  
  
• Then one weekend every year.
  

These are achievable goals under the partnership of the Holy Spirit for a disciplined life of transformation.