By: Elizabeth Haarberg

Keep an Ear to Heaven

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

I’m in the first semester of pursuing a master’s degree. In the pursuit, I’m discovering some of the information and things required of me are putting my beliefs in a potential predicament.

However, I’m not panicking, I’m listening.

“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”
Psalm 5:3 New International Version

One of my favorite writers, Henri Nouwen, said, “To listen is very hard, because it asks of us so much interior stability that we no longer need to prove ourselves by speeches, arguments, statements…True listeners no longer have an inner need to make their presence known. They are free to receive, welcome and accept.”

Just listen.

But there are so many voices. The world is saying this is the only way, you have to conform to it, but God says you are a citizen of heaven. He gets the final vote.

I’ve heard it’s good that my opinion is not a factor. What God says is way more important than my thoughts or opinions. I don’t push my beliefs on people who don’t want it. My job is to re-present God. That’s all. The Holy Spirit converts, not me.

“And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.”
Acts 4:31 English Standard Version

The Holy Spirit changes the atmosphere and situation. I’m just a vessel and His love flows through me.

Listening to God’s voice through prayer, reading the Bible and letting the Holy Spirit guide me is the next step. Sometimes this is difficult but I’m getting more comfortable in the waiting.

Just be patient!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado