“Spiritual Selective Hearing”

my sheep
 
by Dona Hake
 
 
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 your spirit has been pricked by the power of the spoken Word of God. We just know it was God specifically dealing with our heart yet we walk away and do not take heed. You can go home from church and proclaim what a good word your Pastor shared yet not take heed to it, and apply it to your 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.