Listening

They have turned their backs to Me, and not their faces; but in the time of their trouble they will say, “Arise and save us.”—Jeremiah 2:27 NASB

How do you feel when other people ignore you when you talk with them? Or when you have advice and information you know they need, but they don’t pay attention or respond?

Remember that the same thing happens to God when people do not listen to Him. They even turn their backs on Him, ignore His warnings, and don’t heed the truths He is trying to communicate with them.

Like those Israelites, it can be easy to turn to God when we face troubles but then not listen by ignoring His warnings and instructions.

The Bible assures us that God wants to speak to us, help us live victorious lives, reveal deeper truths through His Word, teach us through His Holy Spirit, and protect us from danger.

But we need to listen to Him. This means humbling ourselves before Him, concentrating on Him, spending time with Him away from the distractions of life, and knowing His Word.

Spend quality time with God. Don’t talk at Him, but really listen to Him. Pray, focus your attention on Him. Seek to hear His voice.

Let Him refresh you and give you His peace. Let Him open your spiritual eyes and give you greater discernment. Let Him give you His wisdom and insight into current events and how you should live your life. Let Him change you and make you more like Jesus.

Reflection Question: Do you need to work on your listening skills?