[416 words]
Have you ever stopped in the middle of a sentence or in the middle of telling a story because you thought the person you were talking to was not listening? It is quite a joy when the person notices and encourages you to continue. You feel rather down and worthless when the person does not notice. While there are many reasons that a person might not be listening we can take assurance in one very important thing. God listens always.
God listens and internalizes what we say to Him. He does not simply let us ramble on without our words sinking in affecting Him in a personal manner. What we tell God is important to Him. He wants to know what we have to say. He wants us to talk to Him. He even commands that we talk to Him (1 Thessalonians 5:17). God listened when Abraham pleaded with Him not to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah if ten souls could be found (Genesis 18:16-33). God listened to Moses when God was ready to wipe all of the Israelites off the face of the earth for their continued refusal to obey and trust Him (Exodus 32:10-14). God listened to Gideon when he asked that the fleece be wet and the ground around it dry and again when Gideon asked that the ground be wet and the fleece dry (Judges 6:36-40). God listened to Samson when he asked for strength one last time (Judges 16:28-30). God listened to David as he pied for protection and revenge against his enemies and as he expressed thanksgiving for the blessings God had provided him. God listened to Elijah and held the rains from falling (1 Kings 17:1-7). God listened to Daniel as he prayed when the law of the land forbade it (Daniel 6:1-23). God listened to His only Son in the garden prior to His being nailed on the cross (Matthew 26:26-46). God listened to His Son’s cry from the cross (Luke 23:46).
God listened to each one. He cared for each one, and He cares for each of us. He does not always answer in ways we see or use the timetable we construct or provide the outcome that we deem best, but God listens. While others might turn us off or never even begin to listen, God always listens. For our own good, we need to allow Him that opportunity every day.
Jamie Cox
via Mars Hill church of Christ
Florence, AL