We can expect God to speak to us in the quietest parts of our day, because that’s when He has the calmest path to our heart. Rarely will we be able to concentrate on listening to Him when life’s demands are loud. When we develop the discipline of unwinding at the end of the day, we form a habit of allowing God to get through to us. Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn and know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2) Letting God transform us begins with learning how to be a good listener. We’ll hear Him best when we get away from the noise.

Distinguishing the thoughts that are rooted in God’s love from those that are spun by fear is one of the best ways to become a good listener. God doesn’t create or perpetuate fear in our lives. If our minds are bombarded with thoughts that sound nothing like the dialogue of truth, light, and love, we have to practice letting them go—quickly. God speaks to us with love, patience, and purpose. He wants to be involved in every area of our lives so that we can walk confidently in His will. Following His voice leads to good, pleasing, and perfect things. 

Our soul needs quiet to relax. Our spirit needs stillness to listen. Our bodies need rest to restore. We need to make a habit of carving out time in our day, even in the smallest amount doable, to just listen…and let God love us. It’s what He does best and what He wants most. He knows better than anyone exactly what we need, and being able to communicate with us allows Him to infuse us with courage and hope. It renews our determination to never give up, to keep looking up, and to wait on Him. (taken from the Devotional Coloring Book, Cozy Moments to Calm Your Heart)