Hear Him

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27

Sometimes, we think we live in the most difficult time there has ever been on earth. But, Jesus lived in an occupied nation governed by a brutal regime that was driven to conquer the world. Death from hunger and disease was ever present. People struggled for the necesssities of life in the midst of Roman tax collectors. Groups maneuvered for potlitical position and influence. Pride ruled many hearts. Consumerisim consumed those that could afford it and those that could not. Anger, fear and resentment was rife. Sadness, evil, desperation and confusion penetrated the lives of many. Does that sound familiar? It's not that much dfferent than the world we live in.

In the midst of it all there were miracles, love, faith and inner peace. Jesus was calm in every storm and He offered that peace to His disciples. He promised "I will not leave you comfortless" John 14:18. "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever." John 14:16. Jesus went about doing good in spite of the world that surrounded Him.

He has promised us His Spirit, but in order to hear it we have to focus on Him. The Savior told us the world would not be able to hear the Spirit.  "Even the Spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." John 14:17.

Hearing the Spirit requrires some work, effort and choice on our part—the choice to put down our devices; the choice to meditate and pray; the choice to understand instead of resent; the choice to be teachable instead of prideful; the choice of Him over the world.

I wrote this song during COVID when the differences between us seemed to overwhelm. There was very little room in hearts for those that disagreed with each other. That sentiment continues still, unfortunately.

The Savior asks us to live in a way that is more than reactionary; more beautiful and less superficial. He wants us to feel something deeper and more profound than what endless scrolling can offer, what endless opinions can answer and endless anger can motivate. My prayer is that this song helps you feel comfort and peace and will help you choose to Hear Him more fully in your life.

Many thanks to Allie Gardner, Daniel Bloomberg, Dave Zimmerman and Josh Sales for helping me bring this music to life--And mostly to my Father in Heaven and the Savior for guidance and inspiration in my life.