How does what you hear influence your behavior and reactions?
Do you ever sit back and think about the lyrics to the song you just heard on the radio or to what the dialogue between the two actors really meant? What you hear influences what you say, think, and do. We pay attention to what is said by people we admire as well as those we despise, and sometimes even people who have no relevance in our lives. There are many things fighting to rent space in our heads-music, movies, videos, people, etc. but we must be wise with who and what we lease our time to. The being that we listen to the least is the One who holds all power in His hands.
Who are you lending your ears to?
Proverbs 8:34 NKJV says, “Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.” There is a blessing waiting for those who lend their ear to the Lord. How do you know if your prayers have been answered if you do not take time to listen to God, the one you petitioned your requests to in the midnight hour. Are you listening to that one friend whom you know does not follow God for direction and discernment? It may seem like some friends and family are distancing themselves from you right when you need to lean on them the most. We often misunderstand God and His capacity. He may be moving people around in your life to take the focus off them to get you to turn your focus to Him. Lend Him your ear and see what He has in store for you.
How often do you take time to listen?
Listening to God is a form of meditation and requires you to quiet your thoughts. God instructed Joshua to meditate on His word day and night (Joshua 1:8). This is a day and night task that has been assigned to us as believers. We are not only to listen when we want something, but we are also to diligently quiet our thoughts, remove distractions, and purposefully listen out for a message from God. We limit how much space God is allowed to have in our lives when we meditate on the things of the world instead of God’s word. We also open ourselves up to deception and confusion to enter in when we omit God from the daily practices of our lives. It is imperative that we start and finish our days with God at the forefront, not bringing up the rear.