Space Day 6
The Voice of Need

Philippians 2:1-11
Mark 6:30-32
Proverbs 25:20-25

I adore my kids. No exceptions.
But there are nights I need a little bit of space.
And time to re-set.
True for all of us, right?! No matter what our job is or the relationships we love….we have to draw healthy boundary lines so everyone can stay sane.
It had been a crazy long week with my husband gone, sleepless nights, full days, and only a few weeks left in my pregnancy.
I was far beyond exhausted.
I called in a babysitter and left the building in search of chocolate and peace and quiet. Feeling much better a couple of hours later, I let the sitter know I was coming home, but she couldn’t tell the kids. I was hereby pronounced invisible and left entirely alone in my own room.
Bliss!
But bedtime came and one of my sons could be heard in a teary, angry voice down the hall, “All I want is for my mom to put me to bed! I know she’s here!”
From my cocoon of soft jammies and quiet music, I knew the secret was out. I couldn’t pretend invisibility anymore. I was needed. I walked out and scooped up my precious treasure, calming his tears, helping his tight muscles to relax, and treasuring the moment knowing we were both loved deeply.

Holidays and family gatherings and Christmas celebrations don’t always exude calming space, and a deep sense of feeling loved. Extended family get-togethers, shifting roles between parent and child, tension in relationships, and the flurry of activity can be feel overwhelming, and so far away from our picture perfect peace-filled holiday.
What I often miss in the middle of all the decorating and party planning and gift buying, present wrapping, crazy family gathering chaos, is the voice of people crying out because of their need. I miss it because I’ve stopped listening. Turn up the volume of seeing people who stress us out, turn up the volume of finding the perfect gift, or creating the “magic of Christmas”, and it’s no wonder we can’t hear that whisper of need hidden behind the noise.

After my son was born at home, my husband did an amazing job of taking care of me, our kids, the meals, and everything in between. He brought me food, and coffee :-), took the kids on fun outings, and did all the laundry while I recovered, staying mostly in our bedroom with our new little man. When I did leave the house for the first time, 3 weeks later, I was astounded by the noise level. It sounds ridiculous, but the world was so big and so loud! I cringed as the shopping carts banged against each other and felt like covering my newborn’s little ears at the cacophony of voices, voices everywhere. My ears had become accustomed to listening for the little things during my time at home in the space my husband had created for me. All I was accustomed to listening to were tiny yawns, small cries, and little squeaks and grunts to tell me that my son needed me.

We don’t usually have the luxury of 3 weeks of relative peace and quiet to retrain our literal ears, but we definitely can train our souls to listen for the quiet voice of need.
That strained relationship with a parent?
That person that’s always making comments to provoke you?
That family situation that invites defensive attacks?
That marital conflict that’s inching higher on the stress level?
It’s the voice of need.

The simple truth is that we all need something.
One thing.
And not just at Christmas.
We need Jesus.
Every day. Every situation. Every temptation. Every relationship. Every heartache.

The only thing that separates me as a Christ follower, and my neighbor who still wanders without Him, is Jesus.
I’m no better than she, but Jesus is enough for us both.
My need is no less or greater than hers, but Jesus satisfies completely.
It’s my job to listen in to that voice of need and extend love,
right there in the place of empty brokenness.

When my children are fighting.
It’s the voice of need.

When we attend a stressful family gathering.
It’s the voice of need.

When my spouse and I are worried about finances.
It’s the voice of need.

When my heart is wrapped in sadness.
It’s the voice of need.

That man on the street corner, the tattooed teenager in the car next to mine, the lonely lady in line behind me, the stressed out mom who lives across from me…..
It’s the voice of need.

Are we listening?
Will we respond?
Train the ears of your soul to listen for the need of Love that only Jesus can fully give.
And then run towards them with that love!

And if you are feeling soul-weary and can’t imagine listening for that voice of need because you’re so needy yourself. Draw some boundary lines and leave the building in search of chocolate and peace and quiet. Bring your worn out self to the Messiah and let Him bring you refreshing so you can hear better and respond easier with gentle love the next time you hear that voice of need.

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
Sign up to receive every Journey Study!