It is a process. Knowing the right questions to ask is often key to finding the right answers. But not always. Sometimes, if we’re listening, even if we don’t know what for, we can hear when something rings a bell. Sometimes guidance comes in a flurry of advice as if to ensure we get the point: like an alarm going off so we don’t sleep through something important, or a persistent nudging, at the end of our fishing line, reminding us that something in our own hands needs attention. The other day, in the numbness of another mass shooting, I heard the keys to offering solace to someone amid tragedy: compassion, honesty and listening. The same day, this Scripture from Proverbs 18 rang my bell: “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” Rodger that. Then another bell, shortly thereafter, from Peter 5: “Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
A message came together for me, sort of like Paul says in Romans 8: “All things work together for good to them who love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” I’m not sure this is what Paul means, but it could be. The message that settles with me today is to be ready if someone needs me- be a faithful listener and remember to lean on the presence and the promise of God. Finally, a few days later I heard this process laid out succinctly, which I will share: 1) Read Scripture 2) Listen for what resonates 3) Read the passage over enough times so that when you need it, you’ll have it. Thank you, Dr. Robert A. Cook and “Walk with the King.” And that's it. Wishing you a blessed and fruitful day. The song pairing is “Dig the Well Deeper.” Until next time, stay safe, be brave and keep walking in the light.
Dig the Well Deeper
When I’m in the desert
when I’m dry as a bone
I just dig down deeper
to where Your water’s flowin’
I dig down, dig the well deeper
I dig down, dig the well deeper
I dig down, dig the well deeper
I dig on down to You Lord
I dig on down to You Lord
In my time of trouble
in my time of need
I turn to Your blessed Word
and turn on the help I need
I dig down, dig the well deeper…
And then when my heart is weary
when my heart has turned cold
Your warm and tender love for me
rejuvenates my soul.
I dig down, dig the well deeper…
And on those days I’m knocked down
and this world don’t give an inch
I stand up on your shoulders
and climb on out of that ditch.
I dig down, dig the well deeper…
Share this post