How to be More Open to Hearing God’s Message

The playlist during a recent Peloton yoga classes caught me off guard.  It was not the typical spa-like, tranquil music normally played in a yoga class.  

The first song was upbeat, like “Hey Ya” by Outcast, and was really distracting.  I nearly ended the class.  But just before I hit ‘end’, a more chilled-out song came on and I decided to give the class a chance.

And I’m glad I did because the playlist was filled with pop, folk & contemporary songs I knew and could sing along with.  All with good, positive messages.

The one that really struck me was Peace Train by Cat Stevens.  It’s not on my personal playlist, but whenever it plays I stop what I’m doing, listen to the words and think about what’s going on around me. 

It’s a time I know that God is speaking to me.

Have you ever had a song do that for you?  Maybe it’s a child laughing joyfully while playing at the park.  Or it could be the sparkling-eyes-smile someone gives you at the grocery store.  Whatever it is, it’s something that causes you to pause and really listen with your heart.

So how did I know that He was talking to me? 

Because I stopped the down dog pose I was in and sat cross-legged just so I could enjoy the music.  The song made smile, feel pure joy and sadness, and made me dance.  And when it was over, I felt the most overwhelming sense of  peace. 

Let me walk you through my experience so you may find Him more often in your daily activities.

Makes me smile

Call me naive or sentimental.  Call me a tree hugger or even a hippie.  Call me hopeful.  Actually, please call me hopeful.  

I hope everyone rides on the Peace Train someday.  I imagine moments in time when we each see something good in one another and truly give peace a chance.

I’m not saying there won’t be any war or hate.  That’s in our human nature.  

But if we can see just ONE small good thing in another person then each of us has a chance to live a more peaceful life.  Which is a step to a world of more peace.  Just imagining it makes me smile.

Makes me sad

We’re experiencing so much pain right now in our society. While listening my chest tightened, feeling the meaning behind the words.  They are as relevant in 2020 as they were when the song was written in 1971.  

I’m to blame as much as the next person for not stepping back more often to see someone’s goodness before I judge.  Unfortunately, it’s easy in my ‘I’m too busy’ way of living, to turn the other direction when I see someone who is grumpy - not taking into consideration how they might be hurting.

Having worked in Human Resources for over 20 years, and witnessed major highs and lows in peoples lives, it hardened my heart in many ways.  So in order for me to see goodness, I have to intentionally tell myself to be open and look for it.  I have to challenge myself to see the positive in people. 

So songs like Peace Train help soften my heart and see the good. 

So when I’m really open and looking for goodness, if I see someone struggling, I pause my inner dialogue and offer them a smile in support and say a silent prayer that joy finds their days ahead.

But even in my sadness, I hear the upbeat music behind the lyrics, 

 and I’m back to feeling hopeful and smiling again. 

Makes me want to dance

Ok, it’s more of a sway than a full-on dance, but I’m peacefully moving to the melody of the song.  And when the song finishes, I feel the most overwhelming sense of peace. 

Open Your Heart to Hear God

Whether you like this song or not, it’s no matter.  

I’m always in awe when God inserts these visual and audible cues, like this song, in my life.  He knows me so well.  And knows the best way for me to receive His messages - through music, quotes, earthly beauty, people. 

And I know he knows the best way to communicate to you too. 

It may be through meditation, a baby’s laughter, or by way of a Knots of Grace rosary.  They were designed as visual cues we may need to reconnect to Jesus and God on a daily basis.  Helping us see the ride out of the edge of darkness, to take us home again. 

Whatever it is, I hope you are listening.

I pray for you to feel peace everyday.  And be open to receive God’s audible and visual messages.  Check out the many visual cues in our shop that may assist you on your journey.

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