Listen for His voice

“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16 ESV

Intent on getting some last minute Christmas shopping done, my husband and I joined hundreds of other people on the same mission at the Battlefield Mall in Springfield Sunday. And as you can just imagine, there were noises coming from every direction inside as people frantically shopped and socialized. Which is why I was extremely thankful to have been able to hear the beautiful sound coming from the piano store he and I were walking by. Pausing to take in the slow and peaceful melody that was so contrary in nature to the other sounds surrounding me, I watched for a moment as the man behind the music continued to play, oblivious to the chaos around him, and couldn’t help but think to myself, “This is why so many people don’t hear you Lord. They are too busy and intent on listening to the sounds of the world that they miss Your voice.”

And you know, when it comes to hearing God's voice, the Bible tells us that as believers God’s Spirit “dwells” in us which means He can and will speak directly to us. But unfortunately we don't always hear Him. You see, when you and I don’t take the time to slow down and quiet our souls to receive God’s presence, we too can be overcome by the sounds and chaos of the world around us that compete for our time, allegiance and affection and miss what's most important. Especially during this Christmas season when we can easily lose sight of the real meaning of what we are celebrating.

So I urge you my friend, get out for some alone time today to quiet your soul and talk to the Lord. Go for a run, go for a walk or go to a quiet room. Go anywhere you can really hear the Spirit speak. You'll be so glad you did.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that this world is a busy place that can serve to distract us if we aren't careful. Help us to be so sensitive to your Spirit Lord that we would know when we have broken our intimacy with You. And please Lord, remind us over and over that the real meaning of Christmas has nothing to do with presents but with your Presence. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

I’m listening - Chris Clarney