“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10
My retired husband has been working with an older friend to supply firewood to people in our community. Since my retirement, I’ve been “invited” to help with certain aspects of this endeavor. Recently, I was sitting in our back yard helping with the splitter, and there was a break in the action. I heard the chirp of a bird in the distance, and in just a few seconds, there was a response. It certainly was not the same melody, but the two birds continued to “talk” back and forth for several minutes, and my listening was not disturbed by any outside noise. I was not trying to determine if they actually were communicating, but I was soaking up the beauty of their song.
This experience brought my mind to review many opportunities of my past. As a professional school counselor, I always deemed it my responsibility, as well as privilege, to listen to the things the students wanted to talk about. More times than not, I realized they just wanted to talk and feel that someone was listening. The same experiences crossed my mind as I relived some of my missed opportunities as a parent, especially those years that I was a single parent. My children realized that their needs, which required monetary means, usually could not be met, but they really wanted someone to hear their desires. Then my mind moved to the relationship with my spouse. How many times did he just want to talk to someone who was listening and not playing games on their phone, or cooking a meal, or sweeping the floor?
Why is it that our thoughts wander into our relationship with God, but often He is the last one on the list? According to His word, He wants to listen to us. Matthew 7:7 comes to mind quickly. “Ask, and it will be given to you.” 1 John 5:14 “…if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” Do your own study and see how many times His word tells us that He wants us to ask Him for our desires. It goes beyond that limited conversation. He also wants us to listen to Him. He speaks to us in innumerable ways, and seldom does He speak to each of His children in the same manner. (A lesson for another day.) For me personally there are three ways that I consider the greatest ways God speaks to me. He speaks to me through His word. John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word…” His word is shared through worship, song, sermons, private study, and study groups; but it always depends on me listening for it to become alive. In my prayer time, God wants me to include time to listen to His still small voice. “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10. The third way God frequently speaks to me is through others. Many times I seek their input, but sometimes it comes in the way of conversation. Proverbs 19:20 “Listen to advice and accept instruction…” It is most important that those who share advice are believers and live according to God’s word.
Today, let there be the melody of singing birds in your heart that reminds you to bring your requests before the Lord and to listen intently for His voice. When practiced, they are simple tasks.
Your Fellow Able Mom,
Nancy Middlebrooks
Jesus, “In my heart there rings a melody” of your unconditional love for me, my family and the world. Help me share that love by listening to those around me with the same love you share with me. Amen.
Connect with Nancy:
nmiddlebrooks@austin.rr.com
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