“Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.” Isaiah 55:3 NIV
Closing the door with a bang, my feet flew down the path, fleeing frustration, fear, and soon-to-be folly.
As I rounded the bend, the beautiful pond sparkled in the summer sunlight. Peace penetrated both my vision and my mind, slowing my feet to the proverbial snail’s pace.
My mind finally paused, forgetting the furious fermenting of just moments before.
As I closed my eyes, my soul drank in the unadulterated tranquility. No voices demanding anything. No phone incessantly ringing. No computer beeping, then having the audacity to blank out.
Just silence.
Peaceful silence.
A hug from God wrapped up in that silence.
Strolling among the golden wildflowers I fingered the fragile Queen Anne’s Lace as my mind relinquished the concerns weighting my day.
Closing my eyes, I deeply exhaled, noting every muscle, now relaxed. The combined scent of damp earth lingered with a waft of the fruity sweetness from the final raspberries of the season.
A bird squawked overhead.
I startled, eyes opening wide, as I realized the serene stroll was anything but silent.
Bees and dragonflies buzzed by my ear in their frantic flight activity. Frogs refused to be forgotten by mates, or anyone else, as each croaked his own tune.
I realized in the distractions of the day’s demands, I had blocked out the very sounds of peace my heart yearned to hear.
Just maybe, you know have done the same.
How often do we do the very same with God?
He never leaves us, even when we’ve forgotten Him long ago.
He still wants only the very best for us, even if to get us there, He must lead us on “the long scenic route.”
He yearns to hear His name on our lips just as He so lovingly lists ours’ to His Father.
He’s patient and persistent, never overbearing like our earthly demands.
Isaiah 55:3 reminds us what we truly need to live: to know God. That makes all the chaos serve a purpose. That brings reason to what we’re doing in all the activity that serves our families: be in working, cleaning, cooking, etc.
Like me, do you find it hard to listen? When that agenda becomes jam-packed and the chaos creeps in, I find myself promising I will take time later, but later is usually much later than I ever intend. I find I keep Him (and myself) waiting far too long.
God’s waiting for us to hear His quiet, loving call above the noise of our own chosen, chaotic lives. He doesn’t give up, and neither should we.
When we choose to close the chaos down, will the ringing remain, diminishing the draw and distinguishment of His voice,His patience, His love?
Will we miss the beauty of Him and content ourselves with the façade of silence?
He is patiently calling, will we choose to hear and to listen to Him? We will allow His peace to guide our to-do lists and our days?
Let’s all be intentional with our time and with what we allow to consume our thoughts. Let’s let God into every moment and not just the moments we “assign” to spend time with Him.
We will experience far more peace when we spend more unplanned moments with Him.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You that You are always there. You want to hold me, calm me, direct me. No matter how often I become consumed in things of this world, You are patiently waiting, calling to me. Thank You. Please direct my thoughts, my actions, my moments today. May I intentionally choose to stop and listen to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your love, Your Peace, and Your great patience with me. Thank You for teaching me Your ways, and how You want to equip me to do this life. Please gently restore me what I get off-track. May I always be open to Your prodding to take myself away from the chaos and focus a bit on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.