It takes intentional, dedicated
time to practice the missional habit of listening to God the Holy Spirit.
Without tuning into God's voice, our lives become scattered.
In John 10,
Jesus describes a caring shepherd who leads sheep with his voice. While predators
attack and scatter the sheep under the control of the "hired hand" (John
10:12), sheep under the care of the Good Shepherd "go in and out and
find pasture" (John
10:9).
I like the image of my thoughts, desires, and plans (like sheep from
a sheepfold) being led by the steady voice of Jesus through the Holy Spirit.
That's why I regularly make time in my schedule to sit uninterruptedly in the
presence of God and listen for the Holy Spirit.
Try taking twenty minutes or
more this week to sit quietly. Eliminate distractions and invite the Holy
Spirit into your awareness. See where the Holy Spirit leads you and follow his
lead!
