I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the word listen contains the same letters as the word silent. God created the human ear to catch and transmit sound to the brain, enabling us to receive and interpret messages. Unfortunately, the Bible tells us that all too often human ears become like those of heathen gods:
Having ears, they hear not.
(Ps. 135:17)

God is a great listener. He listens because He loves us. When you come to Him with something on your heart, He not only receives you, but you have His full, undivided attention. You have the total interest and awareness of the God of the Universe concerning your problem.

Listening is an important part of showing someone that you love him or her.

Love listens. You can say over and over and over again, “I love you,” but the best way you can show your spouse that you love them is by listening to them.

I’m talking about turning off the television and looking them in the eyes when they are talking to you. I’m talking about not answering your cell phone when it rings in the middle of your conversation. I’m talking about not flipping through a magazine while you ask, “How was your day?” If you really care you’ll put the magazine away before you ask that question, showing your spouse that you really want to know and that you’re interested in what he or she is going to say.

Recently, I read about a coffee house in San Francisco with soundproof booths, where for an hourly fee, a patron will be provided with someone who will listen to them. Business has been good.

People want to be listened to so badly that they’re willing to pay a complete stranger just to have someone with whom they can share their thoughts, feelings, and problems.

The sense of being listened to is something everyone desperately needs. Maybe you’re thinking, “I’m the one who needs to be heard.”

If you are, I’ve got great news: The Bible says that you will reap what you sow. So start listening!

Copyright © Ken Blount Ministries/AFCM
All rights reserved. Used by permission.