TAKE TIME TO LISTEN

Stop.
As you breathe in, say “Speak, Lord”. As you breathe out, say “I am listening”. Repeat this three times.

Listen.
When God finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, [God] gave him the two tablets of the covenant, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God. – Exodus 31:18

Reflect.
Tomorrow in worship, we’ll hear the notorious story of the Israelites and their golden calf. When Moses took too long on Mount Sinai, they panicked. (They have tended to do that a lot – but if we’re honest, so do we.) God had surely forgotten them. Ironically, God had just finished giving Moses guidelines and boundaries to give them abundant life and meaningful direction.

Fear can quickly get the best of us. When we feel alone, scared, or forgotten, we tend to stop listening and watching. However, in these hard times, God does not stop working. God continues to offer us hope and a future, even if we can’t quite understand it yet.

When you feel yourself getting overwhelmed, stop flailing and start listening. Maybe it’s spending time in scripture. Maybe you need to return to a daily devotional or prayer practice. Maybe you need to call a good friend who can help ground you. Whatever it is, take the time to listen for how God brings direction and hope even in this difficult time.

Pray.
My heart is heavy and my mind is full, God. I confess that I cannot always hear your good news with an open heart. Take these burdens from me and open my ears, so I can hear the word of life that comes in Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord. Amen.

Carry On.
Remember: as you go into the world today, God goes with you. You are not alone. You don’t need to be afraid.