But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray (in seclusion).

~Luke 5:16 AMP

The ice was getting thicker on the trees as the temperature hovered at 32 degrees.

As forecast the tree limbs and power lines were sagging with the weight of the glistening coat. My husband and I continued with our day, holding our breath in expectation of what might happen if the temperature remained at the freezing point. 

As anticipated the power went off. We had prepared and prayed that this would be a short-term experience. As I huddled, wrapped in a blanket, looking out the window at what could be described as a beautiful scene, I noted the silence. No television, no humming of the appliances, no clicking of the furnace coming to life. Not even traffic passing by. Do we realize the subtle noise and distractions that surround us daily? We become accustomed to a level of noise and learn to ignore it, until they are missing. 

In the silence I began to hear other sounds, rain splattering against the windows, ice pebbles hitting the roof, frozen branches clattering in the wind. No man-made sounds, just the sound of God’s creation.

Have you noticed that the words “silent” and “listen” contain the same letters? They are anagrams.

Yes, we do have to be silent to listen. When you are silent, what do you hear? Are you surrounded by peace or does fear take over your thoughts?  Is God speaking to you, but the noise of life is drowning Him out? A lot can be missed when we don’t listen. Listening and then hearing God takes effort. It is not something we do automatically. A willing heart, and a quiet place to retreat to, are two things that help us to hear the Lord’s soft voice.

Jesus Himself knew He needed time away to talk to and hear from His Father. In Luke 5:16 Amplified, He reveals His desire to be alone. “But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray (in seclusion)”. He calls us to come to Him not just to pray but to listen. Our Savior needed time in the silent place. So, do we.

Do you have a special time and place to listen?

Father God, thank You for speaking to our hearts in the quiet times we share with You. Thank You for the Holy Spirit that gently whispers to us as we seek to hear Your voice.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2021: Are You Listening? : Glenda Shouse: All Rights Reserved

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