Do I listen?

Do you have a hard time listening?
I know that I often have a hard time listening. Sure, I can hear. But do I listen?
I often find myself in conversation thinking about my response before the other person is done talking. So rather than really listening, I am half-listening. This is even true in my relationship with God. There are often times when I want to answer God or ask God something before I have really taken time to listen.
The psalmist has a powerful message that reminds us who God is and why it is important for us to listen to Him…
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Come, behold the works of the LORD,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
"Be still, and know that I am God.?
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!"
The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. (Psalm 46)
Here we read a brief description of the power of our God. We are reminded of his strength, his peace, and his protection.
So often in life we feel helpless or hopeless and we make ourselves even busier in an attempt to run or hide from our problems. If we listen to the words of Psalm 46, we discover a different approach. When we can be still, we can hear God. In the midst of all of the noise in the world, God seeks a place to speak into our lives. If you feel overwhelmed or burdened, be still…

shine!
Jason