Listen and Live

If you listen, you can hear it: the wind moving branches of trees long

dead, these creaking bones that ache to live again. You hear it in the

weary words of a mother at the store, comforting her crying child. You hear

it in words unspoken in the eyes of the man holding a cardboard sign on the

side of the road. You hear it in the undercurrent of sharp voices and the

wound of words too hastily spewed. All this need, all this thirst.

If you slow, you can hear it in your own heart: the beat of the broken. You

can hide behind a smile; you can gloss over it with your busy or a facade

of bravery. You can gather or give until your heart busts wide open,

pouring out all this longing.

If you listen, He will speak. Most likely not in roaring tones of gusting

winds or blazing flames, but in a still, small voice. In the silence of

your slow, His presence comes. Like softly falling snow on hard ground, His

love comes and settles on you like a holy blanket.

He invites you to draw near and listen, that you may live (Isaiah 55:3a).

He will remind you of what you really need for life. Not a half-life, but a

full, satisfying, abundant life (John 10:10). In His presence is fullness

of joy (Psalm 16:11). Children of the One True King have His everlasting

covenant, His faithful love (Isaiah 55:3b).

When life crashes in and you wonder whyin your rushing, worrying,

hurrying, and hurtingremember to listen. Seek the Lord and listen (Isaiah

55:6). Live in light of His presence and allow His Word to light up your

path (Psalm 119:105).

When you listen, you hear it: God delighting in you…He sings His love over

you (Zephaniah 3:17). Will you choose to come, to still, to listenand

truly live? Savannah Coleman

Jesus came so we could have life to the fullan abundant life (John

10:10). When He died and was resurrected for us, God’s old covenant with

His people was replaced with a new and better one (Romans 3:20-24). When we

choose to focus on His sacrifice for us, it will impact our lives not only

on an eternal level but also on a daily one. What does it mean to you to

know that the God who saves you also delights in you and sings over you

(Zephaniah 3:17)?

What are some ways you can be still from rushing this week and listen to

the voice of God?

Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. Isaiah 55:3a (NIV)

Read Verses:

1Kgs:19; Isaiah 55