Listening

By Cyndi

Have you noticed that it is much easier to talk than to listen? Think about recent conversations you have had. Have you done most of the talking, did they do most of the talking, or was it really a true “conversation” back and forth? What about in prayer? Prayer is a conversation with God, yet many times I find myself doing all of the talking. This year one of my goals is to listen more, both to people and God.

Sometimes I find myself being the one who is doing all of the talking, striving for attention, trying to prove who I am and what I do is important. Why? Don’t I feel special enough to God that whatever man may give me is pale in comparison? Why do I need their approval anyway when I already have God’s? Oh, how easily I forget; so I talk about me and mine, not wanting to hear about them and theirs.

In prayer, many times I just pour out my heart to the Lord, say a quick, “I love You” at the end and I’m done. I’m still doing most of the talking. Yes, He’s always listening, but what about the things He wants to say?  Will I take the time to listen to Him? Listening honors the one talking, both with people and with God. It shows that you have value for them and what they say; and I believe what Father God has to say is always important. Like King David, I want to be someone after God’s own heart, but I need to take the time to listen to what is on His heart.

So after reading this, take a moment or two and listen. We are now in a new year with new experiences, new challenges, and new opportunities coming our way. Listen to what Father God has to say to you about it.