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 why—in your rushing, worrying,
hurrying, and hurting—remember 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 listen—and
truly live? • Savannah Coleman

• Jesus came so we could have life to the full—an 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