My oldest son was being married in a few hours. Almost ready to go, I reached for the earrings I planned to wear – my grandmother’s pearls. I was teary eyed and sniffling as I put on the jewelry. Then in the back of my mind came Grandma’s voice: “This is a happy day, now stop your blubbering!” Her typical no-nonsense advice gave me a chuckle. Grandma had lived to see the birth of my son; she had held him in her aging arms and felt his chubby legs. Oh Grandma, that little guy is all grown up and getting married today! Now, with her words fondly tucked in my heart, she felt so near — I was ready for the big day!

Hearing Jesus speak to us is sometimes very much like that. Sometimes His words seem to come to us “out of the blue”. In the still of the night a hymn verse may come to mind with words that touch us in that particular moment. When we’re feeling down, a friend may unexpectedly share a word of hope. When we struggle through a problem situation, the words of a favorite Bible verse may reach right to our deepest pain. I truly believe that the Holy Spirit is at work in us, bringing into our minds and hearts those Words we so desperately need – pearls of wisdom to guide us.

A verse that has been a life-long comfort to me, is my Confirmation verse from Isaiah 43. “Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine.” These words live in my heart. I find I hear them with different emphases; but each is a comfort. Sometimes it’s just the two words, “Fear not!” Sometimes I focus on “I have redeemed thee.” At other times I am in awe of the statement that “I have called thee by thy name.” Yes, Jesus knows my name! Amazing! And finally the greatest reassurance of all, “thou art Mine.” Each thought a pearl in its own right.

You too can listen my friends – open your hearts and minds to hear God speak. Remember He loves you, He loves you unconditionally.

Judy

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.”  Proverbs 3:5-6