When we hold a conch shell to our ear, we listen and delight to hear the ocean waves. Pearls are found in oysters and clams, not conchs. They do represent wisdom and are of great value when mentioned in the Bible. The above image spoke to me, and I pray I listened well, because I have chosen listen as my word for 2021
In the Bible we hear God say:
Call to Me, and I will answer you. I will tell you of great things, things beyond what you can imagine, things you could never have known. ~Jeremiah 33:3 (VOICE)
Without pressing in and listening, I will never hear those unimaginable things. I must be at God’s door knocking in expectancy. Jesus reminds us of this in the New Testament:
So listen: Keep on asking, and you will receive. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened for you. ~Luke 11:9 (VOICE)
Also in the New Testament, God the Father, reminds us:
Then a cloud surrounded them, and they heard a voice within that cloud.
Voice: This is My beloved Son. Listen to Him.. ~Mark 9:7 (VOICE)
The wheels in my mind are always going — sometimes in circles, sometimes, backwards, and sometimes in LaLa Land when I would be better served being mindful of the moment. That’s especially true in my worship, in my prayers, in my Bible study, in seeking direction, in how to best worship Him and live for Him every minute of every day.
I’ve asked God to still my mind in 2021 to hear Him more clearly. To help me intentionally choose to listen keenly for the pearls of wisdom and truth He imparts. I’ve asked this for every step on the path of my life, but specifically for it to be true in my writing journey this year. Only one week in, and He’s answering that prayer. I’m so grateful and reminded of these words of Jesus:
Or the kingdom of heaven is like a jeweler on the lookout for the finest pearls. When he found a pearl more beautiful and valuable than any jewel he had ever seen, the jeweler sold all he had and bought that pearl, his pearl of great price. ~Matthew 13:45-46 (VOICE).
I want to be all-in finding the hidden pearls Jesus has for me. How about you, dear reader? Are you all-in? Will you be clearing the distracting thoughts that clutter your ability to hear Jesus, and seeking His precious pearls?
Copyright 2021, Lynn U. Watson
Scripture taken from The Voice™. Copyright © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.