Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening...

I came to my quiet time this morning desperate for a word from God--a word just for me, about me, about all the distraction and overwhelmsion (don't you think that should be a word?!) that's been building for the past few weeks. I know that distracted is where Satan wants me. Ready to quit before I even start. And that made a HUGE, HUGE difference in my attitude. Because that's NOT where God wants me. I went to bed last night at peace.

And woke up this morning to my same life. That's not bad--and I certainly don't hate my life. But I need God's help and perspective to know what's BEST. Everything on my plate right now is good--just like Thanksgiving dinner. But if I take it all, I'm gonna be a little sick later.

Everything there is good. But God wants what's BEST.

Back to this morning. Today was day 2 of Stepping Up, and I'm still wondering if I can do that plus my prayer book each morning. Because I love them both, and don't want to give up doing the prayer book. And I know that I need it in the morning. I'm too tired and prone to distraction at night to do one in the morning and one at night.

Anyway, I wasn't sure I was going to do both, but I did (he just multiplied the time and made it all fit without being rushed), and WOW! am I glad I did. Because he spoke to me all through it, but had such a word for me--right there at the very end, with minutes to go before it was time to get Audrey and Emma out of bed. He spoke to me, just like I asked him to.

Don't you just love that God talks? As I told a friend today, my prayer this morning was that even though he tends to speak in a still, soft voice, what I really want is for him to shout louder than all those voices in my head telling me all that needs to be done. Because his is the voice I really want to hear.

And don't you just love that God talks to you, about you? What he spoke to me just before I had to run upstairs was so specific about what I'd been praying about. If I told you, it probably wouldn't mean anything or nearly as much because it was specific to my need.

But the thing is, he knows YOUR need too. Tell him all about it, ask him to speak, and sit back and listen. Ask him to give you ears to hear him, ask him to help you be still and focus, ask him for wisdom, for help--and he'll give it. Scripture promises that. It may not happen right away, or be what you want to hear (isn't that so often the truth?!)--but he will speak.

DON'T GIVE UP. DON'T STOP LISTENING. KEEP ASKING.

Because he has a word for you, too.

Comments

[Holly Smith]

I love Him so! He speaks and I so want to hear Him and not miss His Words to me.

I'm so thankful and glad and joyful and Asher and just plain happy that you listened to Him today. I am blessed. And really, I couldn't say another word...but thank you! I love you, friend. And am praying for His blessing on your life to be rich and best.
Holly

[Sher's Creative Expressions]

We're doing this same Beth Moore Bible Study right now in our Ladies Bible Study at church. It's great. . . as is all of Beth's studies. Just love Beth.

Blessings,

Sher

[Melissa @ Breath of Life]

See...Jesus math! You gotta' love it!

[miss chris]

Jesus math. Love that. There *is* time.

[Helen at A Work of Heart]

(((((Joanne)))) \0/ \0/ \0/

[Kim Davis]

I've never commented before but have been reading your blog for awhile now, (since Fall Fest). I just wanted to thank you for the last couple of days, I feel very often like this, just the busyness of life cutting into my desire for peace, simplicity and time with the Lord. I even went as far last year to move to another state into the "country" where I thought I would find that simplicty and peace. What a mistake. I've realized it's not in where you physically are (which I should have already known)but in where you spiritually are. Since we've been back,I've found myself in that busy place again and just so thankful for reminders like yours of where my peace and answers for my life really are. Kim Davis

[Barbie]

Thanks for this wonderful reminder. I too have been feeling a bit overwhelmed with some things lately and this is just what I needed to hear...to listen for that still small voice!

[nannykim]

Yes, isn't God good. I love the way He can give direct answers like that---it is amazing how intimate he is with us. Sometimes I have seen quick answers and other times He has led me bit by bit in a process---but both ways His glory and intimacy is seen. AMEN

[Amy @ By His Grace]

Thank you for this, my friend and thanks for your prayers the other day. Husband and I are climbing out of the valley slowly but surely, but only by the grace of God are we doing this. The power of prayer has been amazing and my ears are open to His voice each day. Have a blessed weekend.

[Megan]

Hi Joanne,
I just came to check in on you and read your last few posts. I just want to thank you for using your blog in this way--to share where you're really at, in your heart, and to share what the Lord is doing in your life. It's so amazing to receive such encouragment (and to feel like I can so easily identify) with someone I've never met. It's so cool that even the internet and blogging which so much of the time can just be a silly waste of time (for me) can be used so richly by the Lord.

[Diane]

Hi. As usual, I always enjoy your blog. But the last two paragraphs really spoke to me. To remember to ask him ... I have things going on right now and I have to remember to ask him to help me and listen. Thank you for always writing so eloquently! You have a way with words no matter what your post is about.

[Kristine]

hi, I enjoy reading your blog. Admire your close relationship with God. Oh, if only I have that closeness.. Your blog has inspired me to get closer to Him and to dedicate much more time to grow in Him. Thanks for sharing your story. I has lots for me.. Have wonderful and blessed day!