Listening is hard. I mean really listening. Taking it in. Digesting the words. Thinking them through. Letting them matter. That’s hard. When we let the things we hear matter we can’t pretend that we didn’t know. We are called to pray, to care, to mourn, to celebrate, to act. This is true whether we are listening to a stranger or a friend. It is especially true when we are listening to God.
Sometimes really listening means being more bold and courageous than we think we can be. That’s when I have to remember that my security comes from One who never wavers, who is always faithful.
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
(Psalm 46:1-3 ESV)
This weekend I was encouraged to listen and to follow through on what I hear. My ability to hear and my desire to obey must come from knowing that my God is my salvation, my firm foundation. Only when I remember that he will not be moved can I dare to listen and have the courage to obey.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
(Psalm 46:4-7 ESV)
He makes my heart glad. He is with me. My job is to be still, listen, pray, and go when he sends me.
Come, behold the works of the LORD,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
(Psalm 46:8-11 ESV)
