A Montana rancher lost his watch in the barn. The watch held great sentimental value, so he searched high and low but couldn’t find it.
When he noticed some children playing outside, he explained what had happened and asked if they would help him look. They eagerly joined the search, but despite their efforts, the watch remained missing.
The rancher thanked them for their help and sent them on their way. As they were leaving, one little boy asked if he could try one more time. The rancher agreed, and the boy returned to the barn.
About half an hour later, the boy emerged with the missing watch. The rancher was amazed!
“How did you find it when so many others had searched and failed?” he asked. The boy replied, “I didn’t do anything. I just sat quietly and listened. Eventually, I heard the ticking of the watch and followed the sound."
Sometimes, we become so caught up in the noise of everyday life and struggle to hear the quiet voice of our Savior. Yet when we slow down, sit in stillness, and listen, we become more aware of His gentle promptings, guiding us toward truth and showing us the way forward.
Psalm 46:10 reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Proverbs 1:33 offers this promise:
“But whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”
The Hebrew word shama, often translated as “hear” or “listen,” carries a deeper meaning than simply hearing sounds. It includes listening with the intention of responding and obeying. In other words, truly hearing God means allowing His words to shape our choices and guide our actions.
Today’s song, “Teach My Heart to Listen,” echoes the simple wisdom of the little boy in the barn:
“Before I speak, before I move, teach my heart to listen.”
James 1:19 offers practical wisdom for living with a listening heart:
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”
What might we hear if we quieted our minds long enough to listen for God’s direction? What answers might become clearer if we spent less time talking and more time listening?
May today’s message and song quiet your spirit, deepen your awareness of God’s presence, and remind you sometimes the most important thing we can do is simply be still.
Lord, teach my heart to listen!
