\n<\/p>\n
\n\u201cListen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn; look to Abraham, your father, and to Sarah, who gave you birth<\/strong><\/em>.\u201d Isaiah 50:1-2a<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
In this passage, the Prophet Isaiah seeks to comfort the people of Israel. So, he begins with a plea: If you want to pursue a good and holy life, then listen to me. Pay attention to the One from whom you were created, and to the wise patriarchs from whom your identity was shaped.<\/p>\n
Isaiah\u2019s words are poetic and beautiful, but what does it mean to listen to God? How might we listen to Him today?<\/p>\n
Recently I chatted with experts in listening attentively and empathetically to callers who suffer from depression, loneliness, or various life hang-ups. I asked, \u201cWhat does it mean to listen to God? More than that, how do we listen to God?\u201d The responses came quickly:<\/p>\n
\n1.<\/strong>\u00a0 Get still, and undistracted.
2.<\/strong> Pray and commune with God\u2019s Spirit.
3.<\/strong> Read the Word and consider its meaning for you.
4.<\/strong> Seek counsel from godly people you trust.
5.<\/strong> Spend time in the grandeur of creation.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nAs follow-up, I asked another question. \u201cWhat gets in the way of listening to God these ways?<\/em>\u201d One person smiled and said, \u201cJust ignore the list above<\/em>!\u201d Upon further reflection, others offered that hindrances included busyness, computer screen time, worry, and not planning to listen.<\/p>\n
Perhaps it is time to pause, get quiet, and listen for God\u2019s still small voice in silence of prayer, His Word, observing His creation, or in an intentional conversation with a respected and godly friend. But, if we do that, will we listen?<\/p>\n
\nDear God, thank you for your presence. May I take steps today to slow down, become aware of your prompting, meditate on your Word, and listen well to a wise person, so I may hear your voice of comfort and conscience. Amen.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n