Just Listen
In Blog, inspiration 7 commentsOct 29
30 years of age divide us, but I sense…on the inside, she is young.
I have just finished speaking when she walks to me, hands me a heart shaped pin and these words…
I bought this for someone else. But I believe it is meant for you, instead.
And I know immediately that, indeed, it is.
Because God’s voice often comes to me like this – wrapped in tangible kindnesses from another…and when it does I am moved to remember that no matter how many times I don’t get it, He is still graciously engaged in my refinement.
The truth is: I need to be a better listener.
[And yes, in my friendships, relationships, marriage. So…so…yes.]
But also, and mainly…in my relationship with God.
Because I don’t listen enough. Most days, I am far too busy asking, questioning, throwing up my thoughts and needs onto Him to hear what He is trying to say.
I’m still thinking about such things, days after coming home from the weekend of being a speaker and getting the pin, and I am reminded: of a mentor my husband has and loves – another older-but-on-the-inside-young person of wisdom, who has taught him many things.
The mentor has said that his prayer life now consists of sitting in a quiet room with no other agenda but to listen.
And again, I am convinced. Because when do I just listen?
And I know…there is great value in verbalizing needs and speaking adoration and preaching Jesus from the lips.
But I also know…there is something about being still and just listening to a God who speaks volumes in quiet rooms and quieted hearts.
And yes, sometimes through heart shaped pins bought for someone else.
*Conversation: Could you commit with me to being a better listener, especially to God?
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
YES I CAN. I am also committed to being more intimate with Him with my deepest thoughts, desires and fears. I want to hold nothing back anymore with Him and I want to hear His voice speaking into my life. This is one great post Lisa, thanks.
love your heart for God, Joseph!
Yes I want to join you Lisa!! This very topic has been on my heart…with 5 kids it’s rarely quiet and I feel like I’m never alone. Last week I was struggling with the guilt of wanting to be by myself…well it finally happened and God led me to Psalm 42. It may have felt like I wanted to be alone, but my soul was longing for Him…specifically like you say hearing from Him. I need to get better at carving out that time to be still and listen…I know He will speak! Thanks for confirming what I’ve been hearing! Blessings to you, Jill
Yes, yes, yes! I will commit to listening to God better. Being still and just listening, not talking….so hard for me to do! But I want to hear Him! Thanks for the reminder and the nudge to do so.
Some of the best advice ever given to me years ago was this:
“shut up”
I am thankful the Lord is ever-teaching, ever-guiding, ever-encouraging. He has taught me that “quiet time” is both a divine moment and a command to a noisy world. I continue to be a stumbler on this journey, but He continues to hold my hand.
Yes, I need to “shut up” and “quiet time” even more, in order to hear His beautiful rich still small voice. I’ll join you…
Amen Lisa! I will commit along with you.
Actually I have come to a new point in my relationship with God where He is no longer whispering to me but speaking loudly and sometimes forcefully to me and I like it! It jars me from my mean thoughts, or re-focuses me in a heart beat.
It is like the hyena (played by Whoopi) in The Lion King who asks the other hyenas to say “Mufasa” again so she can get the shivers… cool…
Lets just listen (and obey)
Be Well,
Lina
Working on being still….isnt that just the rub, “working”….I just must BE STILL, so that I can commune with God…must be still.
Thank you Lisa for this post!