LISTENING…
I will listen to what God the LORD says; He promises peace to His people, …
Psalm 85:8 (NIV)
Noise. It seems like everywhere we go, there’s noise. People talking on their phones (on speaker, mind you, and in public). Loud music from a car stereo. Horns beeping as road construction snarls traffic. Kids yelling from the backseat. Political pundits are trying to convince you of their opinions of the state of the nation…and it’s only 9 am!
Seriously, how are we supposed to have quiet time with God? While it may sound (pun intended) difficult, we can frame our minds to help us listen: Intention. Imagine being lost, so you stop at a gas station for directions. You tell the person at the register you’re lost and trying to reach a particular place. They respond with, Oh, I know where that is. Here’s how you get there…. What’s your intention in that moment? Listening to the directions to get where you want to go. You’ll pay close attention to what’s said even if music is playing from the store speakers and the bell rings each time the doors open. Your listening ability goes up because you need what’s communicated to you. That’s the attitude we need when approaching God for direction.
Will the noise ever stop? Probably not. Can we practice being intentional in listening for God’s voice? Absolutely!
APPLICATION: Take a few minutes today to intentionally get with God. Let Him know that you want Him to speak because you’re listening. Ask Him what’s on His heart. Write down anything you sense He communicates to you. Thank Him for His willingness to talk with you.
PRAYER: Father, help me to listen for You. Still me on the inside so I can focus on Your voice and the peace that You provide. Please show me where I can be intentional with my time so I can spend it with You. Thank You for the gift of Your love for me as You show me more of who You are. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?