Listening takes practice. We need to hear the details, be empathetic, not interrupt, and be patient.
Are you a good listener when God speaks? The book of Jeremiah is a history of God's people not listening. Jeremiah is constantly delivering bad news to the Israelites as they continue to ignore God. He warns of destruction and chaos. Instead of listening and taking heed, they want to throw him in prison or kill him. Talk about shooting the messenger!
Do we do the same thing when God speaks? If He says something we don't want to hear, do we ignore it, put it in a box and store it, or go the opposite direction?
Something to think about.....how might our lives be different if we obey what we hear from God?
"I know the plans I have for you,"
declares the Lord,
"plans to prosper you
and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
Sometimes we have to slow down to really listen to God. We may "hear", but not take the time to "listen". To me, we hear a lot during our days, but listening means to stop and think about what we are hearing and do something about it. I need to listen more :)
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