Listen

Moses was taking care of the flock for his father-in-law Jethro, Midian’s priest. He led his flock out to the edge of the desert, and he came to God’s mountain called Horeb. The Lord’s messenger appeared to him in a flame of fire in the middle of a bush. Moses saw that the bush was in flames, but it didn’t burn up. Then Moses said to himself, Let me check out this amazing sight and find out why the bush isn’t burning up.

When the Lord saw that he was coming to look, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!”

Moses said, “I’m here.”

Exodus 3:1-4

Think

Moses was going about his daily tasks when he saw a bush that was burning but not being consumed. What was interesting wasn’t just the miracle, but the fact that he decided to pause what he was doing and stop to look. If he had kept walking, he might have missed the opportunity to have an encounter with God.

Our lives can also be filled with chores, classes, activities, and worries. Sometimes we move so quickly that we stop noticing what’s happening around us. However, God often speaks to us in the midst of our routines and everyday life—but we must be willing to pause and listen.

Perhaps this new school year is an invitation to pay closer attention to our surroundings, to the people who need companionship, to opportunities to serve, or to those moments when God wants to speak to your heart.

Jhanderys Dotel-Vellenga

Question to Ponder:

What distractions or worries might be preventing you from hearing God’s voice clearly?

Pray

God, help me to pause, observe, and listen. Open my eyes so that I may recognize your presence. Teach me to hear your voice every day and everywhere. Amen.

Go

Go forth with a willingness to do good. May your words, decisions, and actions reflect God’s love. Every day offers an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.