Listening Through the Distress

 




Listening Through the Distress

​The Scripture Foundation (NLT)

  • ​"But while he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, 'This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.'" — Matthew 17:5
  • ​"Trouble and anguish have come upon me, but your commands give me delight." — Psalm 119:143
  • ​"Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal." — Matthew 6:20

​ Tuning Out the Noise

​When trouble and distress overwhelm your life, the world gets incredibly noisy. Financial stress, health scares, and broken relationships scream for your attention. In these moments, it is easy to focus on protecting our earthly comfort. Yet, God interrupts our panic with a clear directive: "Listen to him."

​When you prioritize the voice of Jesus over the noise of your problems, your perspective shifts. Earthly trials lose their power when you realize your true security is not tied to this world. Earthly wealth, health, and status can rust, break, or be stolen. By anchoring your heart in Christ’s commands, you trade temporary anxiety for heavenly treasures.

​Personal Reflection: Two Voices, One Savior

Have you ever heard the voice of God? Has Jesus ever spoken directly to you? I have heard both, and they are distinct.

​When I was nine years old, my home was filled with the terrifying noise of my father’s alcoholism and violence. It was a cycle of screaming and fear that felt impossible to ignore. In those moments of feeling utterly alone, I felt a pair of arms wrap around me and a soft, gentle voice speak. My fear melted away. The chaos outside became distant and quiet. That beautiful, private conversation with Jesus has sustained me through every hard time since.

​God’s voice, however, can also be a booming authority. Years later, while driving home from Bible camp with my daughter, a voice like thunder suddenly commanded me to take the next exit. My daughter heard nothing, but after the third insistent demand, I pulled off at exit 109—miles before my actual turn.

​At the gas station, a technician ran out, amazed that I was even driving. My back tire had a massive ten-inch hole in it; it had  exploded. 

In that moment, the booming voice returned: "I carried you!" I could see the giant hands holding my car level.

​Whether through a tender whisper or a thundering command, our Triune God is real, present, and active. He sees us as a parent sees a toddler—lovable and sometimes confused—but always within His reach. If you have experienced His grace or His "loud miracles," hold onto them. This world can never take those moments away.

​A Prayer for Your Day

​Heavenly Father, when distress closes in, help me tune out the noise of this world. Forgive me for trying to find security in things that rust and fade. Holy Spirit, clear my ears so I can truly listen to Jesus today. I choose to find my delight in Your commands, knowing my real treasure is safe in heaven with You.

Thank you, Jesus for saving me!  Amen.

​The Lord’s Prayer

​Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we also have forgiven our trespassers; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

​BELIEVE, OBEY, BE BLESSED, AMEN! BOBBA❤️

Love, Penny 💛 

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