SHUSH!!!!! and LISTEN!!

I can talk! I post on social media, write this blog and probably talk way more than I should in most circumstances. I think from an early age, I thought that talking was good. It meant that I “knew” about something; I was smart and the ultimate- had someone’s attention. But better than talking, is listening and by far much harder to do.

I am trusting the LORD to teach me and boy am I learning that sometimes it is better to keep my mouth shut and just listen. One of the hardest tasks for me is listening to someone who may have a need. I am drawn to “needs” like a baby to candy. For me, fixing a need equals providing advice. I know I am in good company of the “advice givers”, we are a well-meaning bunch (most of us and most of the time) but sometimes in the desire to provide guidance, we forget to listen. Much of the time listening is so much more helpful than speaking.

I will be honest to tell you that I had to learn to listen. I am still learning.  I am a bit embarrassed also to say, I have to be real cognizant of this and really hone in on the speaker. I am getting better. It is a constant prayer of mine.

The power of listening is so powerful. Hearing the person, acknowledging what is heard and perhaps a smile/hug or even a laugh together. That is real intimacy! Get your mind out of the gutter, not meaning that kind!!!

GOD wants us to relate to HIM! There is talk of worship and prayer all over the bible. But there is also talk of listening.

Proverbs 18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion

Psalm 141:3 Set a guard, O LORD over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!

Psalm 85:8 I will listen to what GOD the LORD says; he promises peace to HIS people, his faithful servants. But let them not return to their foolish ways.

PRAYER: DEAR LORD, I ask that you help me to open my ears wider than my mouth. Help me FATHER to hear YOU more and sit quietly in you. Be with the reader JESUS and provide them peace and wisdom; in JESUS blessed name. And thank you JESUS for giving me what I do not deserve!

 

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