"Jesus said,"Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear." Mark 4:9 NIV
"I heard every creature in heaven and on earth...saying"To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and glory and honour, for ever and ever!" Revelation 5:13 NIV
"Let him sit alone in silence, for the Lord has laid it on him." Lamentations 3:28 NIV
Getting away, by myself, to be in silence, to enjoy nature, to be in the presence of God, is not an easy task. Especially in the summer, when my family is all home and clamoring for my attention as soon as I walk in the door, as they are on vacation and I work. Yet I find myself craving the silence, the cool peace found in the depths of the forest. So I lace up my sneakers and sneak out the door before anyone can follow me....
It is no wonder I have a hard time hearing Jesus most days. The noise of the television, radio, computer, telephone, family, friends, and countless other distractions compete for my attention. I am relieved to have a few moments of silence on my country road walk. Yet, in the silence, I am listening, listening for the voice of my Jesus, who longs to talk to me. He knows how hard it is to get away from the demands of a busy life...he who stole away in the early morning by boat or in the mountains, to talk to His Father, to pray for guidance and strength.
In the silence of the forest, as I listen to Jesus and offer up the day's worries and cares, problems and concerns, he listens. And as I pray for the strength to carve out more time with Him, the silence suddenly explodes with praise and worship for His holy name. The black capped chickadee lands nearby and sings with all it's heart, a joyful song...and it's friends join in the refrain. The frog peeps out from a deep puddle and croaks in tune. The squirrel chatters in excitement as he joins in the praise of all the earth. Even the crow, whose loud cackle normally annoys, joins in the chorus of the beauty of God in harmony.
My heart sings with praise also. For Him who loves me and shares His love, if only I have ears to hear. Eyes to see. And a heart open to His Holy Spirit. Prasie lightens my load and places the focus of my life squarely where it belongs: Jesus.
