Listen Carefully

I was on our patio the other morning, enjoying the cool air and stillness before I had to start another busy day.  It’s nice to see and to hear squirrels rustling through the branches of nearby trees, or to hear the sweet chirps of our many cardinals, or the whir of a hummingbird’s wings.

But soon, way up in the top of our huge oak tree, came the loud squawking of a Blue Jay. 

His voice soon overtook all the others.  I had to make myself listen carefully in order to hear the quieter, more pleasant birds that were still there but were being drowned out by the shrill voice of that Blue Jay. 

What a picture of my life lately!  Satan knows exactly when to yell in my ear, reminding me more of what I don’t have than what I do have.  He knows when I am vulnerable…when I am more susceptible to letting him drown out God’s voice.

It’s easy to cave and listen only to his discouraging yells…to let him make me question God’s past leading in our lives.

“Are you sure it was God’s will for you to move here?”

“Too bad you can’t re-do some of your parenting.”

“Look at what they have that you don’t have.”

“Well, that hasn’t turned out like you thought it would.”

I’ve had to make myself stop hearing that very loud voice and instead focus on God’s quieter voice, just like Elijah did.  Elijah, in I Kings 19, was just coming off the high of tremendous victory.  He ended up physically and emotionally drained…vulnerable to Satan’s attacks of discouragement and depression. 

He ended up in a cave, where God told him to stand on a nearby mountain.  “And behold, the Lord was passing by!”

First there was a strong wind, but the Lord was not in the wind. 

Then an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.

A fire was next, but still the Lord was not in the fire.

Finally, there was the sound of a gentle blowing…a low whisper. 

And God spoke to Elijah in that soft whisper of a faint breeze. 

Over the past couple weeks, I have had to make myself NOT listen to the loud voices of doubt and questioning.  I have had to discipline my thoughts to remember the past leading of God.

I was trusting God in the past, and He led me…He led us…to where we are.  Why doubt Him now?

Did I trust Him then?  Then how can I doubt Him now?

It’s a conscious choice I must make.  Do I let the loud voice of doubt crowd out the small yet firm voice of God?

At the end of the day, may I choose to listen carefully to the right voice in my heart and not the loudest.

         “My sheep hear My voice…”

Author: Patty hesaidwhatks

I'm Patty and I write about our adult son who has Epilepsy and Autism, who still lives with my husband and me, and who is a package full of many surprises and joys and challenges and TALK! Lots of talking, which creates laughter and some other reactions as well. I also write about how God shows Himself to me in everyday life.

21 thoughts on “Listen Carefully”

  1. I love this reminder to listen for the quiet. I Corinthian 14:33 “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace…” when it’s ugly we hear or makes us downtrodden, we can know that is not our God. I love that gauge! You are amazing and inspire me!

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  3. Wonderful post Patty. We all have different loud insistent reminders of our failures. (In our neighborhood it would be the crows). From reading your story over the last year I understand a little. Thanks for sharing your lessons and have a blessed and somewhat quiet weekend listening for God’s voice!

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  4. It is easy to be influenced by the squawking and discord around us. In times of worry and discontent, I try to take time to rest to listen for the quiet calm whisper of God and follow His direction. Sometimes it takes a while for me to realize where my focus should be. 💗🌺

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  5. Amen! That still, small, voice. I also love the story of Samuel when he was a young boy, and how God spoke to him. Finally when he figured out it was God speaking, he said, “Here I am, God. Speak, for your servant is listening.”

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  8. Ahhh amen!!! And the funny or I should say ironic thing about it is that (I personally think) blue jays are actually lovely looking birds…it’s just like Satan to use a good looking distraction to pull us away. Yes, may we always be attentive to the quiet and humble voice of reason.

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  9. Sometimes it seems like we can’t control the thoughts racing through our minds. When this happens to me (usually when I’m trying to go to sleep), I mentally quote Scripture that I have memorized (usually Psalm 23 and/or Psalm 91). I say to myself, “I take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” Blessings, Patty!

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