Listening

<<pay attention, hear>>

An essential aspect of good communication is to listen carefully to what is said by other people or God. Make this your response, “Speak Lord for your servant is listening” (Josh 5:14; 1 Sam 3:10). Unforgiveness, not walking in relationship with Him, and having preconceived ideas hinder us hearing God’s voice while having a willing, clean heart enhances our receptivity. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice…and they follow me” (Jn 10:27). He speaks, are we receptive and obedient? A word of caution – God will not tell you to do anything that is contrary to His will or righteous principles as written in the Bible.

Listening allows others to speak into your life or situation offering valuable insights, wisdom truths, guidance or experience. It may save you making the mistakes they did if you heed the warning.

How can we follow directions if we don't attentively listen, yet aware that hearing must be followed by obedience to directions given to be of value (Mt 7:24-27; Jas 1:22-25).

Today God speaks to us through various means – particularly the Bible for general guidance, but also through conversing with other people, prophetic messages, circumstances, directly by His Spirit to our conscience, and occasionally audibly, or by

Are my ears open to His voice?

visions and dreams. Although we consider the advice of others the final decision remains ours so don’t act rashly.

Listening and obeying God brings blessing while ignoring and rebelling leads to sin (Gen 4:7,8; Deut 28:1-14; Ps 81:11,13; Isa 65:12). King Saul was told, obedience is the best route; rather than after sinning trying to remedy the situation (1 Sam 15:22). “Listen much yet speak little” is wise counsel (Jas 1:19). Have the courtesy to give the other speaker your full attention, and don’t interrupt while they are talking.