Practice Listening

"O people of Zion, who dwell in Jerusalem, no more will you weep; He will be gracious to you when you cry out, as soon as he hears he will answer you." Is 30:19

Isaiah's promise that God wants us to live a long life of peace, especially when we read and reflect upon it during Advent, is designed to assure us that no matter what difficulties we might be experiencing individually or as a church, God is and will be faithful. God has a plan full of promise, beauty and joy, a desire for all to know the fullness of life forever.

At the same time, it can be difficult to wait upon God. We want what we want when we want it, and when we become too anxious, we fail to be discerning and patient. Clarity can and will come to us if only we quiet ourselves, listen carefully to the scriptures, read the signs of the times, and allow God to work through us. The promise of Isaiah should sustain us. God wants us to live forever in peace and hope, and nothing that happens in the world, even Covid 19, can never change that.

Today, rest in God's promise of life forever.

What practices most help you live a peaceful life of quiet discernment?