Sunday, September 4, 2011

Listening

I feel like I have been doing a lot of talking and not a lot of listening. So for the record, I am trying to listen more intently to what others around me are saying. I am also forcing myself to enjoy solitude. Only a mother can understand the sheer enthusiasm that comes this time of year: back to school. Yep, I said I can't wait for school to begin! Maybe I'll get more of those peaceful quiet moments that seem to be elusive these days. I hear Him knocking on the door of my heart...Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10)...Come all you who weary and heavy laden for I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). It is the voice of Jesus calling. I can't deny He stands at the door and knocks, His Word says He does...Behold I stand at the door and knock (Revelation 3:20) I am reminded to slow down, ponder, reflect and listen. You can't hear what God is speaking if all you are doing is talking to Him. I feel like I bring my long list of complaints -- things I am working on with God to His feet daily. I know He must enjoy my attempts to get His attention. I fail miserably at this. He knows what I need even before I ask. He wants my prayers to be simple, heart-felt and to the point. Another words no flowery speech or long sermons about myself or to God explaining why things should work out a certain way I think. Just plain talk and nothing added to it. Why is that so hard? Prayer has been described as a conversation between two intimate friends. You know those awkward pauses between conversation when nothing is said, just silence fills the room? That is what I am after. It's okay to just be silent and listen. I am learning this. It happened to me the other night. I couldn't sleep. Mind racing. I made another one of those long lists in the dark--prayer requests, things to do in the morning -- and then I was gently reminded by that soft quiet voice. Hello: this is God calling you to be quiet right now...just sit and listen to me...no more lists etc. Just sit, be still and listen. Okay I get it Lord! My heart remains captive to the demands of this world. There is no freedom in the busyness of life. Only Jesus can provide that solitude my heart desperately desires. It is up to me to use the key (prayer) to unlock the door of my captive heart. I choose to believe He is standing at the door of my heart knocking...I will unlock my captive heart and let Him set me free. The picture is painted for us in scripture. It is Jerusalem--captive and chained. Isaiah 52:2 "Shake off your dust; rise up, sit enthroned, O Jerusalem. Free yourself from the chains on your neck, O captive daughter of Zion." So why then do I toil and put off my quiet time? It is so refreshing, so energizing to my mind, body and spirit. This is what we were created for--relationship with our Maker. To communicate in a deep way with the one my soul loves fills me to overflowing. Mary discovered what was good...sitting at the Lord's feet listening to what he said...she choose what is better and it was not taken from her. Samuel discovered hearing the Lord's call. He too called out in the night, "Speak Lord for your servant is listening." (1 Samuel 3:9). The Lord continued to speak to Samuel through his word and Samuel obeyed. I don't want to miss that. God was speaking to his servant who was listening in the stillness of the night. He also uses His Word to convey His message. God still works this way. Just wondering if we truly are listening...

It's About Time

Christmas 2022 Luehrs Family This past year has been filled with many planned activities and some of them were a surprise. Once again our fa...