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Topic: Rejection (11/15/04)
TITLE: Whispers of Wisdom By Joanne Malley 11/20/04 |
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they are God’s gentle whispers of wisdom.
I love the comfort a rainy days brings. Old movies and popcorn set the mood for a nostalgic interlude. Re-runs of the past mean more when they’re the treasured, endearing clips of my own life.
My mother has a recurring role in childhood memories that offer love and security. Her tender embrace and loving guidance filled my world with stability and peace. Memories of trouble or fear were a contrast, but remembered with the same fervidity. When I was lost, separation from her would send a chill of panic throughout. I’d call to her and wait in fear for her reply. My terror convinced me I would be lost forever.
When she finally found me, her voice was the sweetest sound to my ears. As she spoke tranquil reassurances, it was like the calming warmth of the sun after a vicious storm. The trembling and tears subsided within the embrace of her hug. Every fearful uncertainty was washed away with her loving words.
That coveted reunion brought an overwhelming wave of serenity and thankful smiles. Gratitude burst from my heart as I reached for the hand that would guide me home. My little footsteps bounced at her heels and all was right with my world.
Like the memories of childhood, the sound of her voice became etched in my mind. I heard it above all others in a crowded room. I even heard her gentle whispers from afar. When I sensed her presence, all anxiety faded. Her soothing voice and her ability to lead was all I needed to feel safe.
I already know God’s soothing voice and hear Him often. His own gentle whisper flows through my ears and I recognize His presence. I know He is the only one fully capable of taking the lead. Why do I often reject Him when His voice answers my plea for guidance? As I foolishly search for my own answers, it becomes harder to stay on His path. I remain lost until I recognize His unfailing wisdom.
I the midst of my search I hear, “Be still and listen, child,” but I am sometimes deaf to His words. Time after time, he pours out His holy knowledge, but I don’t want to hear. Instead, I often listen to my own misguided words that leave me to meander toward a destination unknown.
God is patient and forgiving. He continues to wait despite the rejection I send his way. He doesn’t falter in His guidance even though I ignore his lead. He knows I’ll be lost without Him, but His voice and gentle nudge are never ceasing.
I recognize myself as God’s grown child in need of guidance and fervently seek His will in all I do. I willingly let him direct my path. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths.” (Proverbs, 3:5-6, NLT).
In trust, I reach for His hand. As His child, His footprints will forever stay on my path. He directs each step and patiently waits for me to follow. Although I may stumble or fall, He never loosens His grip. My fingers remain intertwined in His.
When too many roads lay before me, I fear getting lost again. When I hear, “Be still, my child; listen for My voice,” all else is silent. His divine guidance leads my way.
I am continually awed by his omniscience. I am humbled in the knowledge that He will never turn His back on me the way I have on Him. I am thankful He rejects the sin, but not the sinner.
I hear His whispers of wisdom once again—they are music to my ears. We both dance to the melody; His hand intertwined with mine. My feet never tire on the path He’s chosen for me…and all is right with my world.
Those the Father has given me will come to me, And I will never reject them.
(John, 6:37, NLT)