Do you remember the Kevin Costner film from 1989 titled Field of Dreams? In the movie (based on a novel) an Iowa corn farmer is walking through his field when he sees a vision of a baseball field and hears a voice say, “build it and he will come.” Although everyone thinks he’s crazy, he is so certain that he’s supposed to build a baseball field in his cornfield so Shoeless Joe Jackson can come play there, that despite public opinion he plows down his corn and steps out in this unconventional calling. I won’t ruin the plot for you if you haven’t seen it, but let’s just say that his commitment to carry forth the word he’s given does more for his personal life and spiritual growth than something as simple as a baseball legend coming to visit.
The words uttered in that film, “build it and he will come,” resounded with me deeply when I recalled them yesterday and not because I loved that old movie so much, but rather due to the spiritual significance they spoke.
If we build it, He will come.
Our bodies are a temple for the Holy Spirit, and as such, when we consecrate that space for Him, He is faithful to meet us there. The problem with our temples is they become too crowded for His Spirit to comfortably reside there. Our minds are filled with worries, and our hearts filled with anxiety. We harbor guilt, anger, and unforgiveness on the shelves of our mind. We spend our time on television, social media, or our busy schedule more than we do laying a good foundation in our spirit. Hey, I’m guilty too, but if you desire to hear more from the Lord, I’ve found you must close out the distraction and noise of this world to be able to listen. His voice is a whisper.
I’ve taken to practicing a daily unloading of the world. Usually first thing in the morning while in the shower I will quiet my heart and mind, close my eyes, and picture that I am standing at the foot of a throne. In the highest seat is Jesus, and I mentally and emotionally unload my burdens. I pray in surrender and tell the Lord something like, “today I give you all my anxiety, worries, and uncertainty. I exchange them for your Spirit and peace.”
I’ve noticed a tremendous upswing in my day with this simple practice of surrender. In it, I am acknowledging His supreme power in my life. I’m admitting I cannot do it alone. Many times I will imagine myself walking in a field with Jesus, simply spending carefree time with my Savior. I will pray out loud something like, “thank you that I am in you, and you are in me, and we are one with the Father, seated in Heavenly places.” By repeating these powerful words of truth I am acknowledging scripture, believing that the troubles of this world mean little compared to His power, His kingdom, and His plans for me.
When we can pray, listen, and read the Word, the Lord will speak to our hearts. He will impart His plans, His knowledge, and His heart, but I’ve found the key to hearing that still, small voice is pushing out the noise that distracts us. And when I say noise, I don’t just mean the television or screaming children. I’m referring to the noise in our heads, the to-do lists, or the lies from the enemy that say how we perform in life is more important than who God made us to be. The lies that compare us to others, or worry about the opinion of others versus who God says we are. To hear from the Lord is to lay down your life, meaning you would give up anything and everything, including and foremost the things of this world.
There is no room in our bodies, hearts, and minds for anything other than God, but we continue to fill the spaces with it. The thing is, those things don’t satisfy, they just leak out leaving us feeling empty. If we build it, though, He will come. If we empty our houses, clean them of the things not of God, and open the doors in anticipation of His Spirit, He will come and make His home in us. And much like our friend Kevin Costner learned, He will bring us much greater things than we ever imagined.
Shelby L. says
That was extremely beautiful, it touched my heart and made me tear up, with happy tears of course…I love my rock and lord in heaven and grow closer to him on the daily, because I finally, due to my changing my total mindset 4 1/2 months ago, and I decided to believe I have worth, and as long as I know it, and he knows it, that is all that matters to me these days. Thank you for that awesome beautiful story about the field of dreams, I do remember watching it years ago, and oh how precious it was to me, especially appreciating what it said today, as I have had much growth in my journey and growing closer to God..thank you kindly Miss. Gowen, I cant wait to read more of the beauty you speak of and write of and about. GOD BLESS YOU!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you ☺️
Penni B says
If we bring the Gospel, he will come! was the first thought that rang through my head after reading this. I remember being moved by this film as well. Thank you for the reminder of how beauty connects back to God.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Yes! Thank you ☺️
Annette says
Once again you hit it out of the ballpark ?. I love this as I’m trying to quiet my mind constantly. I think we all tend to have way too much cluttering our minds and not having quiet time to trust in the Lord and hear His voice. Thank you!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you ☺️
Peter Hawkins says
Brilliant!
Lisa Pierce says
Fantastic! I plan to put your words into my daily routine and pray for the Spirit to fill me. I’ve been having trouble in this area since my depression started and I yearn for a reconnection. I know He’s still there and has never left me but I also feel a separation that I’ve prayed about for several months now.
Thanks for this great post. I feel like it was meant for me. Please keep me in your prayers Brie. God bless you dear!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
I’m so glad you read it then. I am praying for you!