Devotional for Thursday, June 2, 2016
“How Is Your Hearing?
by Dona Hake
Yesterday while driving with my Granddaughters in the backseat there seemed to be a dispute in the brew. Both were tired, and this is always a set up for them to get irritated with each other. My oldest was trying to explain something to the younger, and what it came down to it my youngest thought she was “pulling the wool” over her sister’s eyes. My oldest Granddaughter said, (and it took all I could to keep from laughing) “Listen! I have good eyes and I don’t miss seeing anything, and I have good ears too…I am smart, and I know what’s going on…” Well, after this proclamation from my Granddaughter along with the eyes in the back of my head….most assuredly things would be kept right between them!!!!
Today I want to talk about our spiritual hearing…so do you have good ears, and if so….are you listening? The Lord desires that we too be keen and discerning to all that is going on around us.Have you ever heard when someone jokingly or not so jokingly says that an individual has selective hearing? Selective hearing is the capability to block out sounds and noise. It is the notion of ignoring certain things in one’s surrounding environment. Many times you can see this in small children. They may tend to hear only the fun and exciting things, but things such as “It’s time to clean up your toys, and get ready for your nap.” may not be one of those things that is eagerly heard. The question is are there times that we have selective hearing with the Lord, and we are unaware of it?
There are times we can all identify where we are reading the Word or hearing the Word of God, and our spirit has been pricked by the power of the spoken Word. We just know it was God specifically dealing with our heart yet we walk away, and do not take heed. We can go home from church and proclaim what a good Word our Pastor shared yet not take heed to it, and apply it to our life. This too is selective hearing, and we need to be very careful and cautious over our hearts that we are not guilty of this. I found several translations of John 10:27 enlightening so I will share them with you for your meditation.
“The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me.” (AMP) My sheep respond to my voice, and I know who they are. They follow me…” (GW) ” My sheep recognize my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (TLB) “My sheep respond as they hear My voice; I know them intimately, and they follow Me.” (The Voice)
The word *know* defined is to be able to distinguish, as one from another. The Lord wants that we KNOW Him and we KNOW His voice! Today I desire to encourage your heart to be listening closely for His voice. Many times His voice is loud and clear and many times it is a mere whisper. Be quick to recognize it and respond. God truly desires this intimacy with us as we heed to His Words and walk willingly along side of Him as He gently leads us. May our hearts and spiritual ears be open to Him, and willing to do all He asks.