My sheep listen to my voice.

John 10:27

When I saw the moved coaster, I smiled.

Ashley was home, and we were busy getting ready for her wedding the coming weekend. As is my habit, I woke up early, made my coffee, and headed to a certain chair in my living room. For years this has been my favorite spot to open my Bible, read, meditate, and talk to the Lord.

On this particular morning, the coaster I keep on the table beside my chair was missing. I looked around and located it on a table beside the couch. My coaster had been moved, which meant one thing: Ashley had been sitting in her favorite spot having her quiet time with the Lord.

Knowing my daughter during a very busy time had prioritized time with God makes this mother’s heart happy. Every day there are plenty of things—important things—that vie for our time with the Lord. Yes, we can (and should) pray to God on our way to work or as we go about our daily responsibilities. But nothing can take the place of solitude with the Lord, where we not only speak to Him but also intently listen to Him through His Word.

Believer, are you daily listening to God? In other words, are you in the habit of not just reading through a passage of scripture, but meditating upon it, studying it, and listening intently to what God is personally saying to you?

God spoke through Isaiah to those who are thirsty, who are longing for more. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live (Isaiah 55:2-3).

Those words to Israel are words for every believer today: Listen, listen to God.

Lord, You created us for fellowship with You. Soul-satisfying fellowship requires listening to You through scripture. Help us to be better listeners.

Jan Burkhart