2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Zechariah 2:1-3:10 ESV, Revelation 13:1-13:18 ESV, Psalm 141:1-10 ESV, Proverbs 30:18-20 ESV
Daily Verse: “If anyone has an ear, let him hear:” (Revelation 13:9 ESV)
AKOUO (191): “As a verb, is the usual word denoting “to hear.”[1]
To hear.
Communication requires two people: one sending information and one receiving it. Right off the bat, we have a problem. Because everyone’s different, we send and receive information differently.
My husband requires time to process the information he receives; I tend to conclude quicker. However, Ron teaches me to analyze a situation from as many perspectives as possible before concluding. Working out our communication differences in our relationship takes time and effort to listen to each other instead of assuming we know.
Active listening.
Nothing will improve your relationship with God and others more than becoming an active listener. Set aside preconceived notions, don’t interrupt, and listen carefully. Ask questions, but don’t take over the conversation when you need clarity.
When they finish speaking, repeat back to them what they just said. Make sure both people have the same understanding. Then move forward in the conversation, but not a moment sooner.
God does speak to us, but we must quiet our hearts and minds to hear. If we spend our entire time with God telling Him what we want, we’ll never listen to what He wants from us.
For all that have ears, let them hear God’s voice. Whether He whispers in the wind or screams from the mountaintop, may we hear what He has to say. Allow our spirit to connect with His, God’s peace within us.
People don’t hear because they don’t listen, not because God’s not speaking.
[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 12) Thomas Nelson
