Day 9 — Peace That Listens
Scripture: Psalm 85:8
“Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people…”
In 2018, two neighbors in Vermont had a long‑standing conflict about their property line. They stopped speaking. They glared at each other across their driveways. Their adult children avoided visiting because of the tension.
One winter, a severe blizzard buried the entire neighborhood. The older of the two men tried to shovel his car out but collapsed from exhaustion. His neighbor — the one he hadn’t spoken to in years — saw him fall, ran across the yard, and dug him out while calling 911.
When the man recovered, he said, “It was the first time I listened to him in years — not his words, but his kindness.”
That act of listening through compassion melted a frozen silence.
Reflection:
For those of you that truly heard yesterday sermon - me trying to explain Isaiah - What I was showing is that - We often seek peace through trying to win arguments, but Scripture says peace begins with listening — listening to God, to others, and to what is truly happening beneath the surface. Leaning into other's pain - even when we really - really - don't want too, but our God "nature" steps in and says "GO!"
That is the Genesis of Peace!
Where might God be inviting you to listen more deeply?
Prayer:
Lord, quiet my heart so I can hear Your voice.
Teach me to listen with patience, compassion, and peace.
Amen.
Scripture: Psalm 85:8
“Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people…”
In 2018, two neighbors in Vermont had a long‑standing conflict about their property line. They stopped speaking. They glared at each other across their driveways. Their adult children avoided visiting because of the tension.
One winter, a severe blizzard buried the entire neighborhood. The older of the two men tried to shovel his car out but collapsed from exhaustion. His neighbor — the one he hadn’t spoken to in years — saw him fall, ran across the yard, and dug him out while calling 911.
When the man recovered, he said, “It was the first time I listened to him in years — not his words, but his kindness.”
That act of listening through compassion melted a frozen silence.
Reflection:
For those of you that truly heard yesterday sermon - me trying to explain Isaiah - What I was showing is that - We often seek peace through trying to win arguments, but Scripture says peace begins with listening — listening to God, to others, and to what is truly happening beneath the surface. Leaning into other's pain - even when we really - really - don't want too, but our God "nature" steps in and says "GO!"
That is the Genesis of Peace!
Where might God be inviting you to listen more deeply?
Prayer:
Lord, quiet my heart so I can hear Your voice.
Teach me to listen with patience, compassion, and peace.
Amen.
Posted in Pentecost 2025
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