Pushing a shopping cart in which sat a wailing child, a young father was observed repeating softly, “Don’t get excited, Kevin.” . . . “Don’t scream, Kevin.” . . . “Keep calm, Kevin.” Impressed by the father’s ability to remain so calm with a fussing child, one fellow shopper said, “You are to be commended for the calm manner in which you keep soothing Kevin.” The father replied, “I’m Kevin.”
Have we experienced moments when in the midst of the loudness around us, a voice within us kept whispering, “Stay Calm. Don’t get riled up. Don’t listen and get drawn into other’s chaos.”? Sometimes there is the need to listen to the better voice. In consideration of this, someone has urged, “Train your mind to hear what God is whispering. Not what the enemy is shouting.”
Are we responding to the world’s noise or instead listening more intently to the calmer calming voice of God? Nehemiah turned his ear away from those who discouraged the work and focused toward God. (Nehemiah 4:4-6, 8-9; 6:1-8, 10-14) We also have the example of Jesus responding to the devil with Scripture. (Matthew 4:1-10) And Peter and John set the example of listening to God rather than men. (Acts 4:19)
At a time when Israel had not been faithful and there were those who were urging to go to Egypt which was not God’s plan (Isaiah 30:1-2), there was encouragement for the future where we read. . .
“(19) For a people shall dwell in Zion, in Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. As soon as he hears it, he answers you. (20) And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. (21) And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” (Isaiah 30:19-21 ESV)
Let us hear God’s encouraging voice, “This is the way, walk in it.” Regardless of the noise around us, let us remain still, knowing God is God (Psalm 46:10a) and His direction will always be best! Let us be still as we listen to His calming voice of reason as we trust in His prevailing power and promises. As He will be exalted among the nations and in all the earth (Psalm 46:10b), may His guiding voice remain exalted in us!
Have a great day HEARING “THIS IS THE WAY” AND WALKING AT PEACE IN IT!
Carl
