It is hard to listen. It is easy to speak, give an opinion, tell a story, brag, criticize, suggest, or simply ramble. It is hard to listen. Everyone has something to say, whether useful or worthless, it does not matter. It seems that the whole world is talking at once and it is impossible to assimilate all the chatter into something meaningful.
The Psalmists were constantly seeking to gain God’s attention to their plight in life. The writer of Psalm 7 even pleads with God to “wake up” and pay attention to his need for protection. We frequently are in need of a sounding board to the thoughts that are searching for release. Our associates and friends are open to ideas, solutions, and gossip but have no time for the emotions that swarm our lives. We need someone who will listen.
The writer of Psalm 7 goes on to say that God, “looks deep within the mind and heart,” and that the Lord, “is just.” It would be so nice to have someone who takes time to know our heart and is fair about the assessment of our feelings and thoughts. Jesus, through his emotion packed prayers, taught us that the Father listens.
Eugene Peterson, in Reversed Thunder, states, “it is rare to find anyone who listens carefully and thoroughly. (In having someone listen to us) we acquire dignity. We never know how well we think or speak until we find someone who listens.” Wouldn’t it be great if today we help someone build a healthy “self” by listening? It takes thought, practice, and self-discipline. Give it a try!
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Great thought. It makes me think that we don't really listen with our ears, we hear with them but we listen with our hearts and minds.
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