Please Listen

I am still growing as a listener. There is so much noise that it’s hard to distinguish the right person or the right source to listen to. On top of that, I have a slight hearing loss.  I must confess that I like my music sort of loud.

I’ve had some education in listening as well. I have a degree in counseling which was a game-changer in studying the art of listening. I do believe listening is an art that can be improved and enhanced.

As I journey through the book of Job, which is largely made up of conversations between Job and three of his friends. (He might not call them friends.)  He starts one of his responses simply asking to be heard. Check this out….

² “Listen closely to what I am saying.
    That’s one consolation you can give me.
³ Bear with me, and let me speak.
    After I have spoken, you may resume mocking me. (Job 21:2-3 NLT)

This cracked me up. After you’ve listened to me, you can go back to “making fun” of me. Job does know how to use sarcasm for sure.  I am still growing as a listener for sure. I’m still learning to listen for what is NOT being said. I’m learning to listen with all four of my listening devices – my two ears as well as my eyes.  There are times that the non-verbal listening is way more significant than what was spoken and heard with my ears. I believe listening is very respectful and honoring to the other person.  It’s disrespectful to ignore them or interrupt them while they are speaking. If I’m trying to win an argument, debate or “discussion”, my listening skills seem to go out the door.

I want to grow stronger in listening to the Lord. I want to hear Him speak. I want “see” Him speak. One of the best ways I can listen is to stop talking and stop trying to “make my point”. Listening is somewhat of a lost art and it takes work and growth in order to sharpen and shape that skill.

Pressing On!

Dwayne