This week, we are writing about Carol Varselona’s One Little Word: LISTEN as part of Holly Mueller’s weekly Spiritual Journey linkup.
Have you ever listened to the quiet of a winter dawn as the world awkes? Recently, I had the opportunity to sit back and watch the clouds light up as the sun rose. The air was still, crisp, and cold.
Listening is hard sometimes. Your head is full of messages and sounds from the prior day and worries about the beginning day. My mind was full of concern about my husband who had been to the hospital emergency room twice this week. He is doing better now, but they could not find a reason for his pain. I am glad they didn’t find anything wrong, but worried about the cause of his pain. Then family issues crept in, and I struggled with them. I know I am not alone in my problems. I know my readers and blogging friends face times of struggle too and know firsthand what I am discovering about listening.
Listening is hard when you can’t focus on the source of the noise in your life. I can’t find a state of equilibrium and calm some days. On my worse days, though, I am able to sit back and listen for the Holy Spirit’s reassurances that my God is in control.
I had so many goals this week, but they were put on a backburner of worry and doubt. I let the noise overcome me for a few days and that is why I have been silent.
When times are difficult, listening for His voice can be hard, but when we realize that listening is not automatic, but a process we draw closer to Him. Sometimes, we have to stop and remain in silence so that we can find God again.
We do this by reaching out in prayer. Simple prayers are best in those silent times of the day when you can find a moment. As mothers, you know what I mean: while waiting for the pot to boil for the evening meal or while you are waiting in the pickup line at school. Maybe it is the time when the house becomes quiet and peaceful as the last one in the family drifts into sleep. You wait alone in the dark living room to pray and bare your heart to the Lord about your cares and your worries.
After prayer comes the waiting to hear His voice and feel His presence. It might not come the first night when worries and darkness are crowding in; maybe even not the second or third nights. His voice and presence, however, come when He knows it is time.
After the waiting comes the receiving when He engulfs you in His love and embrace. His Holy Word fills your mind, and you find you can listen and receive again. During the wait, you were prepared for something you cannot explain to anyone else. Somehow, you found strength, reassurance, answers, or maybe just calm. You cling to this moment because you know another storm of noise will come and attempt to drown and destroy your faith.
Moments like these are cherished in hard times. You can remember listening to the gentle probing and voice of the Holy Spirit as verse after verse floods your mind; verses that you remember from Sunday School or sermons.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
11 I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope. 12 When you call me and come and pray to me, I will listen to you. 13 When you search for me, yes, search for me with all your heart, you will find me.
[tweetthis]We all have difficult times and struggles, but when we seek and listen for our Lord, He will bring love, strength, and peace.[/tweetthis]
I love the song that Holly shared on her post today so I will share it with my readers too. I hope you enjoy.
Also contributing to these hops:
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I know what it is like having worry for your husbands pain. Mine broke his back 2 years ago and still has really hard days where pain can consume him. I truly hope they figure out what is wrong with your husband and it is nothing serious. I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers! This was a beautiful message and I love watching the sun come up when it is so quite out, but like you said..the noise in my head sometime takes over! Thanks for sharing this at Totally Terrific Tuesday! I hope you make it back this week and everything is ok with your hubby!
Jess
jessica recently posted…Totally Terrific Tuesday #17
Jessica, thanks for the kind words and prayer. They are much appreciated.
Mary Hill recently posted…Literacy Musing Mondays
This wonderful post is being featured on my blog today as part of Tuesdays with a Twist blog hop
Thanks
Angie
Angie recently posted…Time to Link Up! Tuesdays with a Twist (blog hop) 94
Thank you for the feature. I am so honored!
Mary Hill recently posted…Literacy Musing Mondays
Those verses in Jeremiah are some of my favorites! Hearing from our loving, heavenly Father is indeed such a precious gift. While we often expect condemnation, He extends grace and kindness. He truly is so very fond of us.
I am newly sharing my story of healing from childhood abuse at incrementalhealing.wordpress.com and I would love it if you would stop by and share your thoughts.
Blessings,
Kamea
Thanks for this wonderful reminder!
I hope your Husband is doing better.
Melissa @ My Recent Favorite books recently posted…Series Spotlight – “Life in Icicle Falls” by Sheila Roberts
Thank you for these poignant words. “Listening is hard when you can’t focus on the source of the noise in your life.” This is so true. Grateful I stumbled on your blog through #TellHisStory. 🙂
Great post! Thanks 🙂
Lisa Ehrman recently posted…Packing With Pain
Thanks so much
Mary Hill recently posted…Literacy Musing Mondays
Hi Mary
Thanks for sharing your message with us at Wake Up Wednesday Linky Party. I think this is a message that most of us need to hear often.
Angel
I pray that your husband gets better soon. In the book I am reading, the author describes worrying as a rocking chair – “it consumes a lot of energy and gets you nowhere.” Here is to a week of less noise, less worrying, and more listening.
Sounds like a great book. What is the title of it? 🙂
Mary Hill recently posted…Literacy Musing Mondays
Oh, thank you for the reminder, my friend! I’ve had one of those noisy weeks, too, and needed this reminder to listen, pray, wait and receive!
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Magnifying Your Mistakes
I am sorry your husband is experiencing pain. Perhaps it is a pinched nerve, that MD’s do not catch. Maybe a chiropractor would be able to help him. Just saying. Thank you for sharing your words of expression with us here at Tell me a Story.
Hazel Moon recently posted…“Make My Presence Your Priority”
Prayer, waiting, and receiving…I loved the words in bold. One thing that became so clear after reading LISTEN posts is that listening is not easy. “When times are difficult, listening for His voice can be hard, but when we realize that listening is not automatic, but a process we draw closer to Him.” It is an active process and one that seems to be getting harder and harder in this modern world with so many distractions. Thank you for reminding us what joys we have awaiting us if we would stop, pray, wait, and listen.
Holly Mueller recently posted…Spiritual Journey Thursday – LISTEN