Listen, Learn & Let Go. Sounds like a great book title, doesn’t it? Maybe this is the beginning of that book I’ll write, but for now, it’s our summer theme. I’m trying to listen to God while following His footprints. I’m learning along the way, but know letting go is part of following, too. It all takes wisdom and understanding God’s plan, which can be difficult. So, let’s begin with listening.
I did a Bible study not so long ago on listening and it’s been a recurrent theme for me as I’m quick to speak and slow to listen (note the Bible suggests the other way around here!) There are over 500 references to ‘listen’ in the Bible, so I think God has something important to say on it. But listening isn’t always a joyful experience. Sometimes we don’t want to listen. But we should as we are reminded in Proverbs 8:32-34:
32 “And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful.
33 Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it.
34 Joyful are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home!
What’s being referenced here is listening to wisdom, which was present when God created the universe. Note how listen is in each verse and what we become by listening: joyful. God tells us right here why we may want to listen to His wisdom: we become joyful.
So let’s begin our summer by choosing to listen and find joy in God’s wise plan for our lives.
Looking back, my quest for joy actually began last year as I sensed God suggesting a different summer schedule. I need and want to be more present for those close to me this summer, even if it’s just being available to be available. I don’t want to miss or put off those I love due to other commitments. So I set in motion an alternative plan which has come together by planning, holding firm, and making adjustments. I dutifully listened, even when difficult, and am now joyfully looking at a much different calendar than summers past.
The changes I’ve made are frankly, a bit scary. I’ve let go of some things and will have to plan differently. It will take continual adjustments to be flexible as I sense God wants and it’s all out of my comfort zone. But isn’t that what God calls us to in following Him?
While still uneasy, I am also joyful in anticipation of God’s unknown.
It feels a bit like surrender, this obedient listening. My plan is surrendered to God and what others may need. It’s the ‘letting go’ component we’ll explore later this summer. So far, I’m just watching and waiting for how I can follow by being His hands and feet in this day, this moment and this season. What does that look like? I’m not entirely sure but so far it involves:
- Seeking Him first in His Word and prayer
- Being still long enough to listen to what He’s saying in the Bible and through others
- Being present and finding joy in each moment
- Having a flexible plan
- Using the gifts God’s given me daily
- Recording His wisdom along the way
I’m learning so much already and will share more with you next month. But for now, I’m listening for His prompt, His still, small voice. Can you hear it in your life?
It’s my plan to share my joy here weekly and on social media daily and hope you’ll join me. (While still being flexible as above.) Each day this month, I’ll share how I’m #FindingJoy by listening, watching, and waiting for those opportunities as King Solomon instructs us in verse 34 for a #JoyfulJune. It’s my small way to be purposeful in my quest for joy and to encourage others. Please share how you’re finding joy too, I’d love to give you a joyful high five! Join me wherever you are on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.
Let’s listen to and for God in all our moments this summer. His way is the best way to have a joyful June!
Linking words with Brenda at #ChasingCommunity
Yes, summer is a good time to step back and breathe a bit while we live our way into a closer walk with God and deepen in our trust. This has been a crazy month for me, and so summer is catching me off guard, but I’m trusting for some time to assess and plan for a lighter summer schedule as well.
Here’s to more joy, deep breathing and a closer walk with God, listening as we walk, Michele!
Hi Jill, I’m visiting from #chasingcommunity today. You offer a unique perspective here, and I appreciate it. I’m in a sort of scary season myself, and I appreciate your advice to listen while I travel through. Blessings to you!
Thanks Sarah, let’s put all our trust in Him as we journey following His footprints, listening as we go. Blessings on your listening in this season!
It is scary to switch things up, isn’t it Jill? ((hug)) But, obedience. — He knows best, doesn’t He? I like your phrase “available to be available.” I feel that so much, too. — I like your plan. 🙂 I’ll look forward to seeing more Freddy moments of Joy. 🙂 We have lots of friends for Freddy over here. 🙂 Thanks for always being such a sweet encouragement to me. I appreciate your friendship. ((xoxo))
Thanks Brenda, it’s hard to be so flexible and open to God when I’m such a planner, but God will lead me! Thanks for all your encouragement and friendship to me as well, it means a lot!
I have finally listened to God’s voice about leaving sugar pretty much out of my diet, and I have had a peaceful sort of joy as I’ve been rewarded by dropping a few pounds.
I need to listen to His voice every day. I know when I am listening to the wrong voices, I definitely feel other emotions besides joy.
His voice for us comes from a heart of love. Now that’s a voice worth listening to! 🙂
This sounds like a great adventure! May the Lord give you a joyful June, listening to His loving voice!
Thank you Ruth and congrats on listening. I have such a peace and awe-filled reverence for God when I see His hand at work after listening. Here’s to more of that in this joyful June!
Yes, listening is a good place to start. I need to practice this. Thank you for your post.
You’re welcome and thanks Maree, I think many of us do.
Love this! I love using summer as a time to slow down and reevaluate what activities are actually important to us and which ones are just us being active. Thank you for expressing this so well. Slowing down can be so hard for us mamas!
Yes, it can! Here’s to slowing down, listening and finding God’s path in the summer days and everyday! Thanks Halee!