Make Room, Slow Down, & Listen -October 10, 2026

Sometimes the next word from God is not new information but a reminder to return to what He has already said.

That thought brought me back to Rachel, Simon, and Isaias; to sheep hearing their Shepherd; to the responsibility of responding; and to the assurance that the Lord saves. It also connects with my last reflection about the deep freezer.

Before asking for more direction, I need to make room to hear what is already before me. Slowing down helps me listen, and listening reveals what needs attention. Making room creates space to respond faithfully.

One question stayed with me: Have I done anything with what God has already spoken, or am I still asking for more?

That question connects to how “Make Room” came to be: “clean this house,” both figuratively and spiritually. There was preparation to tend to, things to examine, and instructions to follow.

Preparation over position.

Listen, then respond

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”—John 10:27, KJV

Jesus describes a relationship: He knows His sheep, they hear His voice, and they follow Him. Listening, then, is not passive. It leads to a response.

I can be eager for understanding, confirmation, or another word while avoiding an unfinished instruction. James 1:22 calls us to be doers of the Word. What I hear should appear in how I speak, forgive, pray, care for others, and handle what has been entrusted to me.

There is much I do not know, and I want to keep learning. But I also need to practice what I already understand. Faithfulness begins with responding to the truth already before me.

Make room in this house

Cleaning a house requires honesty about what is there. Some things belong, some need attention, and some have taken up space long enough.

Spiritually, I need that same honesty. What is crowding my attention? What am I holding on to? Where have distractions, resentment, or the need to rush made it harder to listen?

Making room means returning to prayer and opening my Bible with a willingness to receive correction. It means following through even when the instruction is ordinary and no one is watching. Preparation happens in those moments, because a heart that makes room is better able to hear and obey.

Be still enough to respond wisely

Storms can leave people scattered and anxious. I understand the urge to react, but uncertainty can make every voice sound urgent.

Psalm 46 speaks of upheaval, yet directs us back to God:

“Be still, and know that I am God.”—Psalm 46:10, KJV

Stillness helps me respond with clarity. There may be an action to take or a time to wait. During an actual weather storm, preparation includes following reliable alerts and evacuation instructions. I can act without allowing panic to lead me while accepting that some things must unfold over time.

The same is true spiritually. Listening does not always mean immediate movement, but it does call for discernment. When I slow down before God, I can recognize whether He is asking me to act, wait, release something, or remain faithful in what I am already doing.

Be prepared without pretending to know the schedule

I have seen people speak about Jesus’ return as though He is catching the red-eye and landing at 3:25 p.m.

I do not believe a storm map gives us that information. Jesus tells us that no one knows the day or hour (Matthew 24:36).

His teaching calls us to remain ready and faithful: keep studying, stay in prayer, care for people, and attend to the responsibilities already in our hands. Readiness is not built on predicting a schedule but on abiding with Him and responding faithfully today.

I do not need a date to take my walk with God seriously.

Keep abiding

“Abide in me, and I in you.”—John 15:4, KJV

Jesus uses the picture of a branch remaining connected to the vine. The branch depends on that connection to bear fruit.

That is where I want to remain: connected to Him through prayer, His Word, and a life that responds to His teaching. As I abide, I can listen without rushing, receive correction without resisting, and follow through without needing every detail first.

Today’s lesson brings me back to what is already before me:

Slow down. Listen again. Make room. Follow through.

My reflection

During today’s reflection, I was reminded of what my Mema would say when storms came: Sit down, be quiet, and allow the Lord to do His work.

Her words remind me that stillness is not avoidance. It is a posture that helps me listen, discern, and respond faithfully. While He works, I ask:

What instruction have I set aside while asking for another word?

What needs attention in this house—within my heart and daily life?

What is one faithful step I can take today?

Prayer

Father, help me slow down enough to listen with understanding. Bring me back to the truths in Your Word that I need to practice.

Show me what needs attention in my heart. Give me humility to receive correction and courage to follow through.

When circumstances become unsettled, steady me. Help me recognize when to act and when to wait. Teach me to remain in You, respond faithfully to what You have spoken, and care well for what You have entrusted to me.

In Jesus’ name, amen.