“Today is holy to the LORD your God. Do not be sad, and do not weep.” Neh 8:9
When the Israelits are willing to listen to the Torah being read aloud, God is moved to forgive them, and Nehemiah encourages them not to be sad but to rejoice. God is easily satisfied. As long as we stay still and listen, God rejoices and wants us to celebrate as well.
No doubt it is the same for us.
When people stop and give us their full attention it softens us and opens us to a careful and caring response. Listening openly and without formulating questions disarms whoever is speaking and encourages them to listen in response.
Imagine what it was like for the poor when listening to Jesus, especially as they heard him announce that it was his task to bring them "glad tidings", and liberty to captives. How hopeful they must have been that their lot would change and their families would be blessed with new possibilities. When we acknowledge our own poverty of spirit, the Lord draws close to us as well.
Today, listen to all of creation. Don't interpret what you hear. Just listen.
Are you aware that God is listening to your concerns and needs?
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