James 1:19-20
‘So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;
for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.’
Listen to Learn
Have you ever noticed when you’re having a conversation with someone that people tend to talk more than they listen? In fact, most people don’t listen with the intent to “learn,” they listen with the intent to “reply.” Sometimes it’s hard to even get your thoughts out before you’re interrupted with a response based on what they “thought you were going to say.” They just jump right in before even giving you the chance to finish what you were saying. It’s not only rude, it just doesn’t feel good to be ignored or not be heard. It’s not only good manners to listen in our personal relationships but God wants us to give Him that same respect. He loves for us to talk to Him, but He also wants us to listen to what He has to say. We need to keep in mind that prayer is a two-way street, not a one way conversation. How can you discern God’s voice and hear His answers if you are not listening? Ecclesiastes 5:1-3 says, “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. A dream comes when there are many cares, and many words mark the speech of a fool.” The best way to really listen for God’s voice is to go somewhere away from all the noise. Did you know if you took all the letters in the word LISTEN and rearranged them, it would spell SILENT? To really listen, remove yourself from all distractions, such as the television, your cell phone, or people talking. Find a peaceful place in your house or out in nature to quiet your heart, so that you can truly listen for the Holy Spirit. Be intentional to secure time each day for “alone time” with God where you can truly communicate with the King of the Universe, not only talking but listening too. TEXT: Luke 11:28, Proverbs 18:13, Romans 10:17, Jeremiah 26:3-6
© Brenda Walsh Ministries www.brendawalsh.com
So very true!