James 1:19 says, “Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.”

Listening is more than simply having the ability to hear sound, it is an act of presence, humility, and love that we extend to one another and even into the creation. In Scripture, listening is very often tied directly to recognizing God’s voice and responding faithfully. The prophets listened for God’s call in the midst of chaotic moments in history. The psalmists listened for the steadfast love of the Lord in the midst of struggle and to express worship. Jesus, though we have so many of his words, we remember that he withdrew from the crowds and prayed to God in the quiet of the mountainsides. 

We also know, however, that listening is not always easy. Our lives are filled with the chatter of the news cycle, the demands of schedules, the pull of our own assumptions and voices of challenge and affirmation within (and around) us. The holy act of listening invites us to slow down, set aside our own agendas, and pay deep attention to the heart and spirit of what God is trying to say to us through one another and the creation. 

Sometimes God’s voice comes to us through Scripture, prayer, and worship. Other times, it comes through the laughter, tears, and testimonies of others, especially those whose experiences differ from our own. So then, who are you truly listening to right now? What are you listening for? Where might you listen for God in unexpected places and people? How much room in our lives do we make for listening?

This Sunday, we can give the gift of listening to our youth who will share their experiences from their mission trip to Detroit this past June. They served in a variety of different ways and encountered people and stories that changed them. Months ago, we promised to hear them, to make space for their voices, and hear their stories… now is our chance to keep that promise! 

I hope you’ll join us in worship this week as we listen for the ways God has been at work in and through our youth. Their stories are not only theirs; they are part of our story as a church.

Let’s come ready to listen, ready to be moved, and ready to hear God’s voice in a fresh way.

Grace and peace,
Pastor Chad