If you ever answer your spouse, "yes dear," this is for you. If you are ever accused by them of not listening-listen up. And if you find that your prayers aren't answered, pay attention. I'm about to talk about you-you have been given fair warning.
It seems there are a lot of angry people out there. And one reason for their anger is no one listens to them. I marvel at how many husbands after a full day at work, listening to everyone else's problems, can't find five minutes to listen to their wives when they get home. Or how many wives don't give them time to unwind so they can listen. And because neither one listens to the other, a rift forms in their marriage. And soon, one finds someone who will listen, and the other finds one who will give them some time to unwind. Not necessarily in love, but someone who will listen to them. There is an old misunderstanding that because someone talks a lot they will make a good salesman, or a good attorney. Wrong-it is those who listen, then answer correctly that excel in their field. And like I tried to explain this to this guy last night-you don't ask, you tell-that way you don't end up trying to placate everyone, only upsetting them all. And one word answers work great-no. Try it with your teens, no. Takes a lot of fight out of them.
I find that the better counselors or pastors are ones who listen before speaking. I am working on that myself. Pause. OK, I'm back. Better 10 words spoken in love, than 100 in anger. But listening takes patience-a fruit of the spirit, and also leads to salvation.
Last night at our men's Bible study, Ken spent the whole 2 hours outside talking to a man named Tom, who showed up at church. As we went about our study, Ken was outside with Tom. After the meeting, Ken came in and someone asked how did it go. Ken answered "I think I only spoke 11 words the whole time." And I don't think anyone, including Ken realized what had happened. Ken was an answer to Tom's prayer that night. Tom needed someone to talk to, who would listen, as a street person, no one does. But Ken took the time, filling the need in this man's life by listening to him, showing love to a stranger that escaped most of us. But reminding me of how God works.
We cannot control our hearing, but we can our tongue. God is always trying to talk with us, and so often we miss answers to prayer because we don't listen. You can't force God to answer, but you can listen-try it and see how it changes your life, and your relationship with Him. I am asked often, why does God do such neat things in your life? Perhaps the best answer is, why doesn't He in yours? I can't speak for God, but I know that since I trust Him more, I listen for His answers and advice-and take them. And when I do-I'm blessed. When I don't, well I start asking again, and sometimes when I already got the answer, just not the one I was looking for. Jesus put it simply, to he who has an ear, let him hear. Are you listening?
I believe we should have a national day of listening to God-no cell phones, I-pods, laptops, or outside interference. We have a national day of prayer to seek Him, now we need some time for Him to answer. Waiting on Him, like the Psalms say, renewing our strength, and doing all the things we tell others to do with God. Time well spent, listening to our heavenly father guide us, instruct us, and give us an intimate time with Him that many talk of, but have never experienced. Maybe that one word answer, yes is appropriate here. Less time talking, much more time listening. And maybe since sometimes the reason you only hear no is because that reflects your relationship with God-you don't trust, so He can't give out more blessing because you couldn't handle them. You want more of God, listen to Him more.
And by listening to God more, it will make your marriage better, you will want to listen to your wife. And she will look forward to listening to you about your day. And you will find that the library of God opens to you, and you will see things much differently-through His eyes more than yours. All because you chose to listen.
God listens to us-now that is patience. Why not return the favor and listen to Him. What better tour guide than He who made the world to guide us through it. And the one word answer that makes it all possible-Jesus. So put on your helmet, throw a leg over your bike, and go out for a ride with Jesus. That voice you hear is the best reason to ride-alone with Jesus. Get it-don't answer, we'll know by your smile. Ken got it last night, thanks God for the lesson. Take the hear out of heart and you have nothing left. Do you think God spelled it that way on purpose?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com