June 5th, 2021: A Listening Heart

 


I went for a short hike yesterday, the day after my 2nd vaccination shot. I needed some time to clear my head. I needed some solitude so that I could hear God more clearly. 


I had not had any side effects from the shot so I was able to enjoy my hike alone.  Listening to God is always a learning process for me. Some might suggest that it demands a listening heart. What does that mean?


We will learn to talk less so that we can hear others without judgment. We are guilty of trying to respond to others so quickly that we fail to listen. Sometimes we listen in order to find an answer for what we hear. That is not understanding. It is just pretending.


"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry."

(James 1: 19)


A listening heart is an obedient heart. During my short hike, I had to face the facts of my own disobedience. It is not an easy thing to hear. But it is essential in molding our hearts after the heart of God. It is not easy, but it is freeing in the end.


"He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."

(Luke 11: 28)


When we have a listening heart, we are able to receive correction with thanksgiving. We see His correction as a blessing. We also embrace that as an essential part of our relationship with God. God's correction does not bring about shame but restoration.


"Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray."

(Proverbs 10: 17)


What I heard from God from the hike was very simple: He has his eyes on us and we should not be afraid. He is aware of the confusion that we have experienced since March 2020. He also knows our frustration, cries, and uncertainty.


"The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry."

(Psalm 34: 15)

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