Just Listen

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Just Listen

by Heather Tate

How often do you allow yourself quiet time with God? I love to spend time in the Holy Bible; my husband often thinks it's all I do. Honestly, I have to be careful not to allow my daily task list to get in the way of genuinely immersing myself in my quiet time. Time with God is a choice we must make a priority. If I fail to focus on my time with God, I reduce His presence in my daily life. Even though I read the Bible, I've realized I don't always pause to listen for God's gentle guidance. I don't allow myself a lot of listening time with God. I get so busy with schedules and task lists that I too often rush through my quiet time. How can He guide me if I refuse to listen? It's time to restore quiet time with God!

I've been reminded just to listen. The Scripture God has put on my heart comes from Zephaniah 3. I haven't spent a lot of time in the book of Zephaniah, but Zephaniah 3:17 was a verse in my journal this past week. I couldn't get the verse out of my head, and the phrase "Just listen" continued to plague my thoughts.

The entire book of Zephaniah is three chapters and about a 15-minute read. Its focus is a call to repentance for the restoration of the tribe of Judah. The book tells of the coming wrath of God for those who don't repent. The book is humbling, but the last chapter brings hope from repentance that leads to the restoration of God's people. Just listen... four steps to devotion came to mind from the reading of this chapter: 1. Rest in the Word. 2. Repent and turn to God. 3. Rejoice in anticipation of His work in your life. 4. Allow God to Restore you.

Restoration is something I think many of us need right now. Restoration from feelings of loss, rejection, guilt, shame, and sin. My life has changed through restoration in Christ; Christ provides healing. Thank goodness we serve a God who specializes in restoration! I love that the beginning of the word restoration includes rest. In its original text, restoration is a means of healing or the renewal of something lost. Explore examples of restoration in the Bible; you will find stories of restoration throughout. Exploring the Bible can give us a better sense of how God restores us, even now!

Time with God, time in the Word of God, is never wasted! Hope and healing are available for us now, through

the words of the Holy Bible, if we take time to open it up and sit with it for a while. I am at a place where I am ready for restoration and healing from the remnants of what our culture and society offer. I want to base my faith on the Almighty Creator, not what I hear in this world. I want to listen to His words of wisdom that offer true restoration of the human spirit. Restoration can be yours too!

As the thoughts surrounding "Just Listen" continue to plague my mind, Zephaniah 3:17 (CSB) offers comfort and restoration, stating, “The LORD your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will be quiet in His love. He will delight in you with singing.”

About The Author Heather Tate is the founder and president of Intricate Umbrella Inc, a Public Relations and Communications company. Heather’s desire is to help anyone fulfill their true purpose in life through education and personal development. To find out more about Intricate Umbrella Inc and services offered, visit IntricateUmbrella.com or email Heather@IntricateUmbrella.com.

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