Attention, Please!

Thought For The Week 63

I was arrested today by this idea of giving Yahweh my attention. How would I (how do I) do that?  Is this about regular Quiet Times, passionate prayer sessions, serious study?  I mused over the variety of ways that I do give my attention.  My not-quite-one year old nephew, for instance, demands attention because he’s cute, but we also watch him protectively as he crawls around exploring everything. My shy 2-year old nephew gets my attention as I try to encourage him to interact with me so we can get to know each other.  Family and friends have my attention as I listen to them, help them or enjoy time with them.  I give personal attention to reading, communicating, studying, and learning.  How much do I give to Yahweh?

It seems to me that giving Him my attention involves all the ways I have mentioned. Attention is a concentration of heart and mind of varying degrees and differing lengths of time, from as little as a ‘glance across a room’ to the focused gaze of a researcher. 

It’s no problem to make time to enjoy my little nephews or to admire my older nieces; to spend time with loved ones or to share special times with friends.  It’s not a problem – but the emphasis can often be on ‘make time’!  I have found, however, that I can (and do) ‘make time’ for what I really want to do. 

Yahweh ‘gives Himself to the pure in heart,’ says Yeats, and ‘asks nothing but our attention.’ Whether that is a glance of love or the contemplation of a lover, I so want Yahweh to have my attention.

Delight yourself in [Yahweh]; and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4 NASB

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