Ecclesiastes 5-8

Out of today’s reading, these words from Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 stood out to me the most:

Guard your steps when you go to the house of God; to draw near to listen is better than the sacrifice offered by fools; for they do not know how to keep from doing evil. Never be rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be quick to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven, and you upon earth; therefore let your words be few.

How much easier it is for me to talk to God than to listen! It is far easier to study the Bible even, than to really hear what the Lord wants to say to me. The cacophony of my own thoughts shuts out that “still small voice” that Elijah heard on the mountain (1 Kings 19:12).

Not too long ago, I saw this rendition of Psalm 46:10….

Be still and know that I am God.

Be still and know.

Be still.

Be.

Sometimes, the hardest thing for me is simply to be still. It is not hard to still my body, but it is often difficult to still my mind, to empty my mind, to quiet my soul, and just listen.

If we did that, what might God say to us? Why not take time today to quiet all the noise, both external and internal? Then, when we get to that point of stillness we can say with Samuel, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:9) We might be surprised by the good, encouraging words the Lord will have for us….

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Will Vaus

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