Listening to God

Why is it hard to listen when God is trying to lead us to joy?

It's hard to listen because the world is full of chaos and noise—noise that is distracting and vying for our attention. It's difficult to find silence. In my personal prayer life, I often find myself "praying on the go" while being "in the noise!" I also find it very difficult. Occasionally, I can find that quiet spot, be still, and let myself be open to listening for God.

I also find it challenging to listen to and even concentrate on God when others are doing evil and screaming darkness against society's most vulnerable. It's difficult to witness such atrocities when we deeply care about all of God's people. In those moments, I try to remember that God is with me—God is always with me—and I ask God to let me be a catalyst of good and compassion to help heal the broken and love others. It's complicated and taxing work.

You are correct. God's will for humanity and all of creation is to lead us into joy. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Galatians 5:22, Romans 14:17, John 15:11) But we must remember that joy comes in repentance and forgiveness, in daily looking to Christ and living for his glory, not in looking to self and living for our glory. It takes our effort to focus on the good and to look to Christ daily.

Note: The scripture citations are for reference and should be read in context (entire chapter or book).