Why is listening to God and others so hard.
Why do I get caught in my head of worries and concerns and fail to listen?
People in my life need my ear. They need me to hear and respond with the love of Christ.
People in your life need you to listen too.
How do we become intentional listeners?
This tasks alludes me daily because of the noise in my life.
From the television to the Internet to social media; modern life is filled with things to listen to other than each other.
Listening takes concentration.
You have to find the mute buttons and prioritize.
Proverbs is the book on “listening.” Beginning with:
Proverbs 1:5 “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.”
Proverbs 2:2 – So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, [and] apply thine heart to understanding;
Proverb 18:13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
As I wound through my days, I must take the time to seek out God’s wisdom as a mother and wife. I have to incline my ear and my heart toward God’s will in these aspects of my life. I need to listen to those around me as a servant. How can I improve their lives? How can I help them with their issues fo the day?
Here are some steps to breakthrough this year in becoming a better listener.
Read His word and place Him at the center of life, and He directs you in intentional listening.
Second, prioritize your listening life. Family also always tops the listening list, including husband and children. Make a point to schedule listening time with everyone. When I pick up my daughter from school; this is my time to focus on her. What was her day like? What did she learn? Did she encounter any issues. When I retire to our room at night, I take time to hear my husband. What are his goals for the week? What are his feelings about where my daughter is spiritually and in schooling life.
Next comes bosses, co-workers, friends, extended family. I create special times each week to call my mother or meet her for coffee. I try to schedule time for close friends too. This type of listening is the only time I use technology: skpe or using the telephone.
Third, listen to spirit-filled music and podcasts. I keep a playlist on my Yahoo and love to turn on music during the day as a way to draw closer to the Lord.
Fourth, it is important to listen to the counsel of others that God placed in our lives. God uses others to direct, teach, and uplift us. This form of listening of course blends with all the above.
Proverbs 19:20 “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.”
Are you a good listener? How do you find time to just listen in love and truth?
Photo by Seth Doyle on Unsplash
Thanks Mary, lots of good inspiration and advice here on learning to listen and concentrate on listening.
We used to always watch morning TV during breakfast time. A couple of months ago we decided not to turn the TV on. It has been wonderful, we always talk or discuss scripture passages.
Kathleen
Blogger’s Pit Stop
I have listened to Christian Radio for more than a decade now… it keeps me focused on God. I didn’t realize how important it was until I started going to the gym this year… that music is not positive or godly. I leave every week wishing they would play something else!
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