Listen for Hope

Listen

My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. — John 10:27

Listening well has always been a challenge, but never more so than in the age of digital distraction. There are constant banners running across the tops of our screens. A never-ending flow of text messages and emails. News at all hours. It’s harder than ever to tune in to the present moment.

Perhaps you’ve been with a friend who was constantly checking their phone. (Or maybe that’s been you at some point!) It’s difficult to have a robust conversation when one person isn’t tuned in and fully engaged in the discussion. Spiritually speaking, when you commit to slowing down and really listening to the voice of God, you will enjoy the conversation so much more. When was the last time God spoke to you through a passage of Scripture, an answered prayer, a nudge, or a quiet inner-knowing?

• Consider setting aside some time to sit quietly before God.

Treat this like a dinner with an old friend. Put the phone away and listen to the words Jesus speaks. Don’t be discouraged if it takes time for your mind to get quiet and focus. If your thoughts tend to wander, read a passage of Scripture and spend several minutes thinking about what it means. Or perhaps the quiet time before God will lead you to pray.

Lord, I want to hear You speak. Help me to know You so well that I can distinguish Your voice from all the others. Teach me to be a good listener.

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Hope

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. — Romans 15:13

People need hope like spring plants need rain. Without hope, growth wanes. But often that hope ebbs and flows. Some days it seems there are plenty of reasons to be hopeful. But then something happens and, for a time, things look hopeless. How can we hold on to hope when things look hopeless?

Reflecting on our history with God is an effective tool for refilling hope. During a difficult time, the psalmist wrote,

I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all Your works and consider what Your hands have done. — Psalm 143:5

The key words here are remember, meditate, and consider.

The cross of Christ is a vivid reminder that God went to extravagant lengths for us. The apostle Paul raised an important question:

He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all — how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? — Romans 8:32

• If God was willing to give us the ultimate gift in Jesus, we can be confident that He will provide the lesser things.

This Lent season, take time to remember, meditate, and consider. Remember the ways God has come through for you in the past. After all, He has brought you this far! Meditate on specific scriptures that apply to your situation. Consider God’s character and track record of faithfulness. Ask Him to refill you with hope.

Lord, I pray You will refill me with hope. Teach me to remember our history, meditate on Your promises, and consider Your ways. Thank You for being the God of hope.

Excerpted with permission from A Savior Is Risen by Susan Hill, copyright Zondervan.

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Your Turn

Today is a great day to restore our hope in Jesus Christ. Let’s stop and listen closely to our good God who loves us so much. He, because He is always faithful, will fill us with hope as we remember, meditate, and consider. ~ Laurie McClure, Faith.Full