A Listening Problem

Think back to the last time someone called you and woke you up out of one of those good sleeps. Picture this: You haven't gotten more than 5 hours of continuous sleep in over a week, and it's your first chance to get that full 8 hours in. One hour before you have to get up, your mom calls to see how you're doing. You're on the phone, but what's really going through your mind?

Exactly.

What can I do to end this call as soon as possible so I can get back to sleep.

I know that personally, I don't really respond to much, and have this rather generic grunt that usually suffices for a comment that indicates that I'm still on the line, "listening." I'll agree to virtually anything, and go so far as to lie in the bed with my eyes closed while engaged in conversation. Later on, when I'm really awake, I have no idea about what was said, and there are times when I completely block out any recollection of a conversation having occurred at all.

So what's the point of this story? Well, we can act this way in our spiritual lives as well. It's not always so blatent, but we're still not really listening, and are missing out on the things God has to share with us. It's like those horses you see, with the blinders on so they don't get spooked/distracted....if we get too caught up into a routine, it's easy to shut off our minds and/or our hearts and just go through the motions. I guess the point is that we should be conscious of this, and try to keep it real, all the time. Those of you in small group with me should be working on the letter to God, and reflecting on/thinking about what God is trying to show/teach you is a huge part of that. I echo the sentiments of Steve (the daily devo guy), and urge all of you to take some time to think (and perhaps even write) about what God has taught you and is continuing to teach you.

Listening! Who knew it could be so difficult....

-AMR ;-)

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The Daily Devo
by Pastor Steve Baney
A Listening Problem

Matthew 13:15 "For this people's heart has become callused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes." (NIV)

Listening involves more than the ears. Some people listen with just their ears. Others also listen with their heart. What has God been trying to tell you? I encourage you to spend a few minutes today to reflect on this question, or to discuss it with a friend. If you can't think of anything that God is teaching you, then you may have a listening problem.

Father, help me to listen to you with my heart today.

Holy Bible, New International Version.
Wheaton: Tyndale House, 1988.
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Question of the Day

A beauty queen from minority roots she remains a virgin through it all and then becomes the national leaders wife. She then foils a palace murder plot and emancipates her people from sure extinction.

Yesterday's answer: Moses (exodus)