Today's Devotional

 

November 24, 2008

                                                                                                                        

Subject:  Hear Him First 

Deuteronomy 1:43 - 45 "So I spake unto you; and ye would not hear, but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD, and went presumptuously up into the hill.  And the Amorites, which dwelt in that mountain, came out against you, and chased you, as bees do, and destroyed you in Seir, even unto Hormah. And ye returned and wept before the LORD; but the LORD would not hearken to your voice, nor give ear unto you." 

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I'm a terrible listener and because I know that I am, I try to do better.  Since trying to do better, it seems like I can easily recognize those who are "listening-challenged" just as I am.  I have a running joke at home with my wife and daughters that when I talk, all they hear is "blah, blah, blah...tomorrow...blah, blah, blah...money...blah, blah, blah...OK?"  They pick out key words and then try to make sense out of them.  I know that's how they do it because I do it frequently myself.  My students at school are the same way.

This past week at my high school JROTC program, we had "reflection day."  We had each student voluntarily come before the class and state what they were thankful for.  The tears started flowing immediately as we've come to realize that this happens every year.  Each student began to tell of why they were so grateful for some really simple things and they were relieved that they were able to share it with others.  As the students began to talk, I realized why some people are poor listeners.  It's because they have something to say and they don't want to hear what you've got to say until you've heard them.  

God's not a poor listener, but I really do think He often takes this approach with us. He's got much to say to us, but we're busy talking to Him about our "issues" and most times He may be simply saying to us, "I'm not trying to hear you until you hear what I just said to you."

The scriptural passage above is a good illustration of us when we try to go about as though we haven't heard God speaking and how He then turns a deaf ear to us.  

Today it is important that we become better listeners, not just of each other, but especially of God.  Remember what He wrote in 2 Cor 7:14, "If my people will humble themselves, pray, seek my face and turn...then will I hear..."  We need to hear Him first and act on His words before going to Him with ours.              

Carlen