A Listening Ear
One thing most humans seem to crave is someone to listen to us. That does not mean someone just sitting with us with semi-interest. What really matters is having someone to truly hear what we have to say – without judgment or formulating their own answers while we are talking.
When I think about how there are times I only half listen to people it makes me shudder. Why is it so challenging to take the time to really hear what is on the heart of another? It is very easy to get wrapped up in our own little worlds. Our needs and wants seem to take over and take precedent over those of another.
What do we do when the need to have someone truly listen to us makes our hearts burst? How do we cope when we feel like no one notices us or seems to care what happens to us?
King David had many days when he felt alone and uncertain. He came to power in difficult times and circumstances. Saul, the current king wanted him dead. David had to run for his life and hide out like a criminal. Even when he finally became king, David had a rough ride in his leadership role. He lived in violent times with many battles to face, both personal and as leader. It was difficult for him to know whom to trust.
Then we read the words he penned in Psalm 116:
“I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because He inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call on Him as long as I live.” (Psalm 116:1-2 ESV)
Without a doubt, David felt heard by our Lord. He had confidence that the Lord would respond to his cries for help. In his darkest days, David had true comfort from knowing that our Lord hears us.
With this comes trust. David goes a step further to say that He will continue to call on the Lord throughout his life because he trusts the Lord to listen.
This is huge. Think of the conversations you have with a friend or family member whom you deeply trust. The discussions and comments take on a whole new meaning when you can put your faith in the one who is listening to you.
It is the same with our relationship with our Lord. When we truly trust that He listens and hears us it makes a huge difference in our lives and on our perspective.
I know that some days we feel like God is putting us on ignore. We cry out for help but none seems apparent. It is easy to get agitated at God and give up hope. Instead, we need to remember that our loving Heavenly Father ALWAYS listens to us. His response is not always what we expect but He does listen and He does answer.
Each time we get it that God is listening to us, we gain confidence that He will meet our needs in a way that is best for us, both now and in the future.
On those days when life is hard, God hears and understands. King David saw evidence of that time and time again. He penned some amazing comforting words in Scripture that demonstrate his great love for God and his immense trust in God taking care of him and all creation.
Hold onto to those wonderful words of Scripture. You always have a listening ear in our Lord.
Enter your email below and don’t miss out on the next blog posts.
We post weekly – Offering hope and encouragement.
