LISTENING

Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to LISTEN to My word – John 8:43

Rewarding Reflections demand skilful LISTENING. Most people are better at talking than listening, but communicating with the Lord involves both. Listening is a non-negotiable skill for everyone who desires to enjoy the best of communion with God and relationship with other people. Practising quietness of mind will yield the desired dividends only as we learn to listen to God’s voice. Whether you are sitting under the ministration of His Word in Church; hearing a message on video or through headphones; conversing with God in personal devotion; fellowshipping with the brethren; or simply in life’s hustle-an-bustle, listening is vital to living. Your internal “receiver” tuned to the Father develops only through committed prayer, meditation, and practice at listening. You must consider carefully what messages you listen to and how: “So take care how you listen…”  (Lk.8:18a). It is impracticable to hear without listening. God wants to speak to you about His plans for your life and the lives of others. His plan is always the best, but you are in danger of missing it if you don’t learn how to listen to His voice.

It is very easy to slip into “dullness of hearing,” to hear weekly sermons without faith, and to see little or no moral fruit in our lives as a result (Heb.5:11). What’s the secret of listening? How do you distinguish your friend’s voice from that of your parent, sibling, or neighbour? You simply know because you know your friend. By spending time with acquaintances, you know how they talk – the expressions they use, the tone of their voice and the changes in their pitch when they're excited or sad. That's the way it should be with God: You know Him – His character, nature, interests, pleasures and displeasure – so well that you recognize Him and His involvement in your life. God is inviting you to know more than just His voice. He is inviting you to the awesome opportunity of knowing Him intimately. Ultimately it is how you hear that reveals who you are: “…He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God” (Jh. 8:47). The Good Shepherd says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (Jh.10: 27).

Learning to listen to God is an essential part of following His will. The Lord regularly speaks to His children through:

Scripture: the Bible is our guidebook to God’s thoughts and actions. It is the primary source for us to discover His character and learn to trust Him. We must aim to absorb the message and then listen for His instructions on how and where to apply His Word: “Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days” (Pro.19:20).

Inner Witness in Prayer: Like all real friends, the Lord desires mutual communication and communion in His relationships. We must learn to listen in prayer. There is a place to quiet our mouth and thoughts so that our spiritual ears can hear.

Circumstances: are sometimes used by the Lord to confirm His ways to us. Situations differ, but our God does not change. He uses everyday life to reveal errors in thinking, to open or close doors of opportunity, and to prove His promises true.

Others: Pastors, mentors, and friends can all speak truth into our lives. The Lord places believers in community so we can be supported and helped by brethren. He doesn’t hesitate to send a message through someone we know and trust.

God may use one or more of these media to reach us. We need to attune our spiritual ears, always remembering that a message from the Lord must agree with His Word. Listening enhances wisdom and understanding.

The life, health, and growth of our souls are tied to how well we listen. We are wise to periodically evaluate our own hearing of God’s word. If we listen with carelessness, we can drift away from God. On the other hand, if we listen with watchfulness and vigilance we swim against the stream of sin and emerge triumphant. The Father is talking to you. Are you listening?