“Shhhh, Tammy. Listen.”

How often does God whisper this as I move through my day?

Or even while I pray.

Words.

I’ve released more than my fair share.

But how many have I received?

Soaked up.

Allowed to change me from the inside out.

Jesus calmed the raging storm with three small words,

“Peace.  Be still.”

How much more does He need to say in order to calm my soul?

When I’m an emotional mess, I have to face the truth.

I, unlike the waves, am not listening to the One who loves me most.

“I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again.”

John 14:27–28

“I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

John 8:12

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”

Matthew 6:33

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”

John 15:5

“I will send you an Advocate – the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me.”

John 15:26

Jesus said to the people who believed in Him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will see you free.”

John 8:31–32

“Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.

Revelation 1:17–18

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.  There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”

John 14:1–3

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Matthew 11:28–30

“Shhhh, Tammy. Listen.”

His Words envelop me when I read them.

His Spirit fills me up when my cup is running dry.

His Presence goes before me when I walk in His way.

He is the Good Shepherd, longing to lead me beside quiet waters.

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When I live a life of listening, I give Him space to restore my soul.
When I live a life of listening, I find Him tucked in the most unexpected places.
When I live a life of listening, being alone doesn’t feel lonely.
When I live a life of listening, my emotions teach me rather than rule me.
When I live a life of listening, the wonder of ‘what’s next’ replaces the fear of not knowing.
When I live a life of listening, I begin to see the world from His perspective.
When I live a life of listening, all the other voices fighting for my attention begin to fade away.
And suddenly, I see Him on the shore as the waves rage all around me and I hear Him calmly saying,
“Peace.  Be still.”
And I know for the very first time He’s not talking to the water.
He’s talking to me.

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If 2021 has caused your emotions to intensify while giving you very little space to release them,

you are not alone.

This pandemic is getting to us all.

Huge losses.

Deep fears.

Intense sadness.

Extreme emotions.

Limited outlets.

Painful decisions.

Small worlds.

___________________________________

Be easy on yourself.
And listen.

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He sees you.

He loves you.

And He’s speaking into every corner of your tiny world,

making a way for every emotion.

Allow the crashing waves deep within your soul to hear His voice today.

“Peace. Be still.”

(Written while listening to “Broken” by David Nevue.)