“Get into the habit of saying, ‘Speak, Lord’ and life will become a romance.”
Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest
God promises a life of romance when we set our ears and hearts to Listen Well.
I like the idea of romance. Having a fresh start with My Maker in 2017 sounds dreamy, listening to His voice, soaking in the goodness of His love. But I have to admit….I don’t always say, “Speak, Lord” nor listen when He does. Perhaps I’m afraid of what He’ll say.
When Mom began losing her hearing, she’d accuse Dad of losing his. Comical, at best. Mom might say: “What was that?” and Dad would shout: “Betty, you didn’t hear me!” Then she’d yell: “You don’t have to shout!” And on it went.
We don’t want to make God shout, do we? Yet, I need Him to at times–when my ears get plugged–when I’m so busy shouting, I can’t hear what He’s saying. Frets, fears, frustrations—any and all of the above, plus a large dose of self-pity–produce a major wax-build up and I don’t even know my hearing’s going. Who can hear God when so busy worrying and wording and waxing eloquently? Not me.
I want to be a better listener. I want a life of romance.
My word for 2017 is Listen–to be a woman who Listens Well; or to make it personal:
Give it a rest, Red!
Shut up, Sue!
Where’s the duck tape, Donaldson?!
Got the picture? Certain ears call for the direct approach.
I want to be a woman who Listens Well. God knows, I’m already a woman who talks well. You might say, it’s part of my charm. People look to me to keep the conversation going, to get the party started—and ended, to engage the retiring, to bring out the introvert (whether or not they want the bringing), to fill the awkward silences. (What’s an awkward silence?)
Granted. I can be of use.
I’m a woman of many words. God uses them, sometimes; perhaps He would more if I would listen more.
What does the spiritual discipline of listening look like in an off-the-charts articulate and driven-to-share-for-your-own-good extrovert? I asked the Expert Listener, God Himself and here’s what I’ve heard, so far:
Sit close—close enough to hear My indoor voice. Sitting is more important than serving—ask Martha. And serving is served better after the sit.
Pause, often. Ask Me what I think before telling someone what you think. I’m called the Mighty Counselor for a reason.
Surrender every thing and every time—a good and godly habit. My Son was an expert. Pain ensued, but victory won out. Keep that in mind when hurt, disappointed, or impatient–when you’d rather shout than listen.
My bottom line:
I need one of God’s giant Q-Tips to unclog any wax build-up in my ears. (I wonder if Walgreen’s carries them?)
My other bottom line:
A desire to Listen Well presumes a heart of obedience to do what He says—to act on what I hear–when I finally get the Q-Tip working.
Tweet ThisWhy wouldn’t I want to Listen Well? I’m all about relationships. Thankfully, God is, too. And He promises to tell me marvelous and wondrous things–if I would only listen.
“This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’ Jeremiah 33:2,3 MSG
What causes wax-build up in your ears when it comes to listening to God?
What helps you hear God best? List in comments—we all could use the help.
My favorite listening tools are:
- Face to Face, Volume II—Kenneth Boa,
- My Utmost for His Highest—Oswald Chambers;
- Daily With the King—Glyn Evans;
- The Seeking Heart—Fenelon;
- a new blank journal to write what God says when I ask, “Speak, Lord” (I love a new blank journal, don’t you?)
God promises a life of romance when we set our ears and hearts to Listen Well.
“Get into the habit of saying, ‘Speak, Lord’ and life will become a romance.”
Sue
GIVEAWAY! To celebrate your Fresh Start 2017! Win a copy of Come to My Table: God’s Hospitality and Yours by Sue Moore Donaldson. Leave comment to be entered. Drawing to be held on January 31st. Will you listen well when God speaks: “It’s time to know the Ultimate Host better, and invite over that new neighbor. Here are tools, steps and recipes.”
Guest Contributor:
Sue Moore Donaldson speaks and writes to introduce God’s welcoming heart—it’s all about the invitation to know the Ultimate Host and pass on His invite. She and her husband Mark live on the Central Coast of California and have raised three semi-adult daughters (which means she’s always at the bank or on her knees.) Sue blogs at http://welcomeheart.com/sue-donaldson, and is a frequent speaker for women’s events. You may view speaking topics at: http://welcomeheart.com/speaking.
Love your humor and wit to share a very important point! May I also learn to listen well! I too am a little hard of hearing, but I can always hear God’s whisper when I’m quiet long enough! ❤
Thank you, Kimberly! That’s the rub for me – to sit quietly – always (always) worth the time and effort!
OK, so this is the 3rd time in about 12 hours that I’ve heard “listen.” I think I’d better start paying attention! Thanks for this great message, Sue! Also… the cover of your book is gorgeous!! Blessings, friend!
Thank you, Liz – yes, I keep seeing it as well. Sometimes it takes more than one reminder (six?) Good to be connected.
So grateful for your contribution Sue. A devo we can all benefit from….listening instead of always speaking.
That’s a gift to the world, our talking BUT I don’t have much worthwhile to say until I’ve been quiet awhile. Thank you for your kind invitation to post here on your beautiful site. (:
Thanks for sharing your message. I’m going to go look for one of those giant Q-tips!
Don’t you love it when truth shows up right in front of us? There may be a lot of us needing those giant Q-tips. Thank you for supporting this ministry–we have been blessed by an awesome team of writers this month.
Perhaps they come in bulk??
Sue, I love that Oswald Chambers quote. And, thanks for the laugh about your mom and dad. 🙂 “Listen.” I love that word-of-the-year. I want to be a listening woman, too. — Music always opens the ears of my heart. And, walking is good too. 🙂 Thanks for sharing, and, nice to meet you Mitzi…beautiful site you have. ((grace upon grace))
Me, too! Writing about it made me pray it and do it more, too. Currently listening to guitar William Ackerman – on my Pandora station – so quiet and lovely that I can still hear God. Double blessing! thank you , Brenda
Sue – your humor makes me smile… and think! Thank you for reminding us about the importance of listening to our Father. I would absolutely love to be entered into the drawing for this book. It has piqued my interest ever since it first came across my computer screen!
Thanks you for giving us this opportunity to win this book
Sue, thanks for your obedience in writing this. Listen has been a word that keeps echoing in my ears. I know for sure this is something I need to be working on!
May we all learn to listen well. Certainly a habit we don’t want to break! Thank you for sharing and reminding us that we can all hear His voice.
Sue, your book looks amazing I’d love to win
Thank you for sharing, Sue. I so want to listen more and talk less.
We all need more time at God’s table
As I am growing older and watching my kids as adults now, you would think I would be “quiet more” so I could listen. I find this one of the most difficult parts of my Christian journey. As a former teacher, I have the tendency to try to be “in control”. I am trying harder daily to listen for Go’s will.
This looks amazing. Thank you!!
Getting still to listen the hardest part… we are not comfortable with quietness or stillness!
Hope I win!!!!! Look forward to it!
For years my nickname was ‘chicken little’. Well, you know the reputation associated with her. My sky is no longer falling. Thank you, Jesus!
Reading your book would be an honor!