Shhhhh

Let’s just say I’ve been talking less, and listening more. lol- I bet my dear husband smiled as he read this🫣. It’s an art I’m working on. 😌

I’ve been on a journey; one that I can’t wait to tell you about. It’s been quite a road trip, climbing life’s rocky hills, hiking up and down impossible mountains, crossing icy terrains, crawling across valleys, swimming in life’s murky rivers.

But like I said, I’m listening more than I speak these days, so you’d have to be patient to hear about that journey. The big question on your mind should be, “who is she listening to?”

While the answer might appear obvious, I’ll admit that not only have I been listening to the wrong voices, I haven’t always been a good listener. 🤔

I can still hear my mother’s voice echoing in my little ears; Melody, yuh no listen eno” (interpreted , Melody, you’re just not a good listener”. And her mother loved to chime in on this campaign against me as well. But grandma always made it out to be a generation thing; claiming that my generation thought we knew more than theirs. It was a Baby Boomers vs Millennial war factor. All Millennials will totally disagree. On the other hand Generation Alphas who always want their way would agree. My little four year old daughter, an Alpha by all angles, way too often accuses me of not listening to her; “Mommy, you’re not listening,” She’d say in frustration, when her negotiation with me didn’t make it very far. But the biggest roll eyes is when my husband would use the line in his favor. 🤦‍♀️ They are not the only ones though; my coworkers tell me I don’t listen when they cautioned me not to go on a trip which they deemed too much for me to handle; my church friends and close friends sang the same tune. And don’t get me started on those health professionals to whom my ears, in their presence, definitely did the, “going in one ear and coming through the next” thing.

Alright, I’m sure you’ve also formulated your own opinion on the matter of listening. But while I stand guilty of being stubborn sometimes, a sinful trait I’m praying away, I hasten to my defense. Most times when I respectfully go against the majority is because a higher power was always louder in my ears. And on this journey that I’m on, without knowing where it was leading me, I have found renowned discovery and value in  hearing, listening, and following the ultimate voice- THE VOICE OF GOD. 

Lately, I’ve been intentional about hearing God’s voice. It’s distinct, assuring, and unmistakable. He has always spoken to me through His words, songs, situations, people, my heart, and through a still small voice in my mind. But I will admit, that I sometimes rationalize away His whisper, especially when it speaks against my freshly and carnal desire.  

But these days I feel more surrendered and obedient to His voice, irrespective of how I feel about it. When making most decisions, I find myself saying, “speak Lord, I’m listening”. I seek His response on where to park my car, what to eat, when to speak, etc. And as weird as you may think this is, it gets weirder- I’d become silent, and I can actually hear His voice. 

With all the voices shouting at us — social media, television, friends, family or even the messages we hear in church, how can we be sure that we are hearing God’s voice rather than our own thoughts or the devil’s lies?

 My mind takes me back to a year ago. I had a tough decision to make. I locked myself away many times, trying to drown out the voices of critics, friends, family members, health professionals- EVERYONE, including my own. I intentionally positioned myself to listen to God’s voice. 

But for days, His voice appeared so silent and distant. I called on a group of friends who I can always count on to pray with and for me. For days, we specifically prayed for Him to speak boldly, loudly and personally.  It took weeks of persevering in prayer. At one point I began to think He’s nowhere near me, as though He has left me alone at a time I needed Him the most. It was unlike Him; I’m use to hearing from Him.

So I sought Him in my cozy welcoming room, in a hide away spot in my closet, at the welcoming ambiance of my toddler’s room, the serene beachfront view at sun set, among the fauna and flora in nearby gardens- all places I went to hear His voice. And just when I thought I must have done the worst, I became silent and resolve to, “when you’re ready, speak Lord, I’m listening”. And of all the places I prepared for Him, the most unlikely one at which He chose to speak was in a hospital room- in the wee hours of the night! ‘twas there in the worst, yet right moment; when the monitors went silent, the beeping and clicking stopped, an overwhelming hush of all things animate and inanimate, that I heard Him loud and clear. And with tears running down my eyes and a smile as wide as the Atlantic Ocean, a body made still in awe of His presence, I relished in the well known lyrics; “Oh my God is great, When He’s four days late, He’s still on time”.

Today, I want you to know that as Christian’s we have to make ourselves available to His speaking. Yes, He speaks to us through songs, nature, His Word, people and circumstances. But for me the most beautiful conversation with Him, is the one when His voice is personally heard. Drown out negativity, naysayers, discouraging reports, and toxic conversations. Make yourself available to listen to His voice. Let Him take you to where He’ll speak and you will listen. 

Some say that listening to God can help you discover God’s perspective, think His thoughts, and know His heart. Others say that listening to God can help you get to know Him better and understand what He is saying.

I say, listening to God is giving of yourself completely to hearing Him! Hearing Him is a testament of your relationship with Him.

Shhh

 “God, I’m here. Whatever you want to say, I’m listening.”