Are we paying attention enough to hear when God speaks to us?

Because He does daily, but in my case anyway, I can let the world and myself get too loud to hear what He is saying to me. Lately I have been focused on simply abiding with the Lord each day and paying attention to everything going on around me because all I want is to hear what He's saying to me and I know He can use anything and anyone. The videos and reels we scroll through, a random conversation with a friend or aquaintence, a stranger's testimony you come across online, even the movie or show you're watching can hit just right. But again, we have to be paying attention.

One of my favorite things to do is find videos on YouTube, more specifically, testimonies. From all different types of people in different walks of life. There is nothing more inspiring to me than hearing how God has changed someone else's life and even more than that, their willingness to share publicly no matter what kind of feedback they may get! And in today's world, the keyboard warriors can be fierce, so I have so much respect for that vulnerability.

One of the videos I "stumbled" on recently, and I use quotes because I do not believe in coincidences or luck, God led me right to that video and what I listened to, He used to speak right into my soul with exactly what I was needing in that moment, in the season I am in.

It's always so simple too, more often than not. Simple words or one liners that just HIT. The gal that was sharing her story said "The Lord told me to hold it loosely. That I had forgotten WHY I was doing what I was doing. I was just going through the motions." She had lost sight of the true mission, which is bringing honor and glory to our awesome God through her calling, her purpose. He brought her back to the basics, back to Him!

I am getting chills all over again as I type this because this was for me too!

Are you overwhemled? Stressed? Discouraged? Feeling lost and alone? Have you forgotten the WHY of your mission? If so, this is for you too and I want to encourage you to get back to the basics. Go back to seeking and focusing on God and God alone. Not focusing on what you want Him to do for you, the cirumstance you want Him to change, whatever has got you in a twist. I feel your struggle and with so much love, I encourage you to step back and let it go. I also know this is easier said than done and it doesn't happen in an instant, so give yourself grace for the process. God's got you.

When I focus on my Jesus, my Savior, the Waymaker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the Darkness, EVERYTHING GETS BETTER. And I don't necessarily mean my circumstances. My mourning turns to JOY. My stress and worry and angst GO AWAY. I can sit in a circumstance that should be stressing me out, but instead, just feel joy. Pure Jesus Joy because I know in my soul it's going to be alright. That's what He gives when I let go of the control that I think I want and I simply sit with Him. When I ask Him to lead, guide and walk with me, He does. He picks up that weight that was pulling me down and I can walk lightly, no matter what's going on in my life.

I am walking into a new season, I can feel it. I can feel the hope and the joy as I watch the prayers I've been praying for a long time, a long time friend, start being answered in an even better way than I could have ever dreamed. What I always do though, is recieve the seed God plants and then run away with it and make my own plans. I decide how I want it to go and then my mind is SET and I lose all ability to be flexible as curveballs come along. I don't know how many opportunities the Lord has given me to STOP DOING THAT. (Insert the cry laughing face because my gosh) Praise Jesus for His GRACE and PATIENCE, no joke. He has been WORKING THIS out of me and I am so grateful for that.

It can be hard to understand why we get stuck in certain seasons, but if I am learning anything, it's that those seasons are intentional (and necessary) for growth and heart change. The seed gets planted, but the stem doesn't immediately pop up. You've gotta do some work first. You have to let the Lord do work in you. It can hurt, it's uncomfortable, it's hard, but it is worth it 1000x over. I LOVE the feeling of God chiseling away at my rough, stubborn edges. Make me less like me and more like You, Jesus!

As I step into this new season, God said "hold it loosely." Be excited and pumped and grateful and all the things, but don't forget Who is leading. He led me straight to this and I don't want to catch myself trying to take the reins. I really don't. I want to do this His way on His timeline! God is so gosh darn good and I just want to shout it! In the valley or on the mountain, He is GOOD!

"For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"

Life is so much sweeter when I sit back and follow His lead. When I truly trust that He knows best and wants what's best for me. There is no greater peace and joy than when I'm sitting with Jesus.

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Reach out and let me know if this speaks to you or encourages you where you are at! I'd love to pray for you or praise with you! Hit the connect button above or below to send prayer/praise requests! You are so loved, you truly, truly are.

I love you and Jesus loves you more <3