“Be Still and Listen”

Scripture:

James 1:19-22
My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.
Your anger can never make things right in God’s sight. So get rid of all the filth and evil
in your lives, and humbly accept the message God has planted in your hearts, for it is strong
enough to save your souls. And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to.
If you don’t obey, you are only fooling yourself. (NLT)

Observation:

Living in this fallen world, which teaches people to focus first on themselves and what is pleasing to them, comes directly from Satan himself; the greatest deceiver this world has ever known. And because this world is under the domain of Satan’s rule and the fact that everyone is born with a rebellious and sinful nature, it is very difficult for many of us to hold our tongue and listen without getting angry and obstinate. For when we let our sinful nature control the way we think and speak and act the results are anything but godly or pleasing to the Lord; instead our ungodliness will not only please the Enemy of our souls, but it will also draw us further away from God. And the further we are from God the more likely we are to fall into the grips of hell, for without God we are definitely headed into an eternity of darkness; forever separated from God and everything that is good (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). And we will not only suffer the eternal consequences from our self-seeking, sinful habits, but our immediate life on this earth will be miserably empty and out of control as well.

Application:

If we are to live a life that has true meaning and lasting value, we the creatures, must rely on our righteous Creator to teach us how it is done. It is by reading, understanding, and applying what God teaches us through His Word that anyone can find true joy and peace in this unfair world (Psalm 119:105). As members of God’s family we must be kind and supportive and gracious and forgiving and help one another draw closer to God for His protection, for our only hope of escaping the Lake of Fire is found in Christ Jesus, our gracious Lord; our Mighty God; our Loving Savior. And if you, my friends, are reading God’s Word and not listening, or listening to God’s Word and not applying it to all areas of your life, you are deceiving yourself and allowing the Enemy a foothold on your life which will, sooner or later, destroy you if you’re not mindful (James 2:12-13).

Prayer:

Teach me, O Lord, how live this life in victory and how to rely on You; the Creator of life, for I know that you will always lead me down the path that leads to victory and everlasting life with You. You, dear Lord are the only One we can entrust our entire life to. Thank You for the Hope You have so graciously given Your people.

Amen