Pause

Listening for God requires us to be tuned in with all of our senses. God may speak to us through our ears, but more often God speaks to us through our hearts, minds, souls, and even our bodies.

We need to learn to be open to listening to God on God’s terms, not necessarily our own.

Stop and prepare to hear from God today!

Listen

Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me in a broad place.

With the Lord on my side I do not fear. What can mortals do to me?

Psalm 118:5-6

Think

What kind of “broad place” is the writer of today’s psalm talking about? An open field in the heart of “corn country”? A football field with 100 yards in clear view? No matter in what kind of broad place they were set, the psalmist apparently felt listened to in times of distress. Do you ever call out to God for help?

Everyone goes about things differently. Calling out in my distress looks a little different than it does for another. But recognizing “the answer” is the hard part. I would say we are too busy listening for what others are saying than what God says. The psalmist feared nothing with God alongside. Perhaps that is what “set me in a broad place” means – being with God, anywhere and every day.

Rich Richards

Pray

Wondrous God, set me in a broad place; a place where you dwell and where we all are invited to live. Amen.

Go

What might God be calling you to do this school year? Listen and respond.

As you go on your way today, continue listening for God’s voice in surprising and unexpected ways.

Listen for God!