Headphones

Ever since school got out at the end of May, I’ve been experiencing my very first teacher summer. I’ve been spending my time sleeping in, doing some traveling to see family and friends, napping, and just generally resting.

And while it has been nice to have little to no agenda or to-do list for each day, I also have learned how much I thrive on routine. I enjoy knowing what to expect for the day and being able to prepare at the beginning of the day. I accomplish much more when I consistently get in the habit of doing those things.

So needless to say, while I’ve enjoyed relaxing this summer, it also has been a bit of a challenge for me. Without school, my sense of community and purpose has dwindled. Living in a new town, most of the people I know are at school so it has been a challenge not seeing these people every day. I miss seeing my students and being in the classroom. Unfortunately, one of the biggest things I’ve lost with this lack of routine has been my quiet time with God.

My time spent writing, praying, reading, and digging into God’s Word has become almost nonexistent. And ironically, I’ve started to become frustrated with God. I’ve found myself thinking, “Well, if God would just make His will clear and speak to me, I’d start to write and pray again,” or “I’m not writing because God hasn’t given me the words. I’ll start again when He gives them to me.”

Today, I had a major realization. I’ve been waiting to hear God the whole summer, meanwhile I’ve been living my life with headphones on, blaring the world’s music. I’ve been filling my head with such loud noise, that even if my sweet Jesus was talking to me, I wouldn’t be able to hear it in the first place. I’ve been turning my ears away from the places I would hear Him (His Word, prayer, etc.) and opening my ears to my own doubts and questions.

Friends, I don’t know what season of life you’re walking through. Maybe you are going through a similar phase as I am and feeling distant from God. Maybe you’re questioning what God is doing with your life. Maybe you feel closer to God than ever. No matter where you are, I want to offer some encouragement.

First, the Bible tells us to seek God. Jeremiah says,

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13 ESV)

When we seek the Lord, He promises that we will find Him. We can find Him in His Word, in His body and blood at communion, in His people at church, in quiet prayer time. He promises to be there.

Second, when we seek Him, we shouldn’t keep this news to ourselves. We are reminded of this in Mark, which says,

“And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation' ” (Mark 16:15 ESV)

Finally, our Lord promises to never forsake us in John,

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:18-19 ESV)

What a big promise this is! Our sweet Jesus tells us that He won’t leave us behind. He promises that even when we don’t see Him, He will come back and bring life. So, if you’ve been putting on the headphones to drown Him out, it’s time to unplug and listen to what our sweet Jesus has to tell you. He brings life and peace and joy and His message is worth it.

Listening to my sweet Jesus,

Hannah