Listening: Better than Answering Robert Schaetzle
“But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.” (Matthew 27:14 NKJV)
Over the years, I’ve learned to lean on our Creator more and depend on myself a lot less. I’ve also been blessed with wisdom in prayer and recognize the value of learning to be still before our Lord during my quiet time in the early morning hours.
While reading the Gospels, I’ve realized our Lord would spend a whole night by himself, seeking purpose and revelations from God.
In the opening verse, Jesus was before Pilate who was questioning Jesus about his identity. This verse reveals the importance of learning not to tell God how we would like Him to fix our needs.
Peter instructs us to "cast all our anxieties on Him for He cares about you" [1 Peter 5:7]. Instead of daily dumping all my burdens upon Him, I find greater grace and calm in learning to be still in the presence of Royalty.
“And Jesus answered and said to her, 'Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.' ” (Luke 10:41-42NKJV)
Like Mary, I want to be in the presence of His intimacy, to listen and worship more than to dialog in prayer. Truly this brings rest to my soul. He knows my heart before I speak; so learning to listen, in prayer, is much greater than answering our Lord with instructions. It’s not for me to instruct Him.
Father, thank you for teaching me that listening is far greater than crying out for help.
Robert serves in a Sharing and Caring Ministry. Contact | 
