After spending time with many different people over the weekend, new friends and old, I was reminded with a new freshness something that I think is universal. We all want to be heard. To be understood. To matter.
I had two very lengthy conversations at a party the other night. The two were completely different from each other. But the common denominator between the two was the fact that each of these people continued to talk and engage because they were listened to. The recognized that what they said mattered to me. That I really wanted to hear their hearts. That I didn’t want to rush them along or brush them off.
Don’t we all want that? Aren’t our best friends the ones that truly listen to us? In this big and busy world, we just want those times of feeling truly heard and understood. For time to stand still for a little while so that our thoughts, our hearts and souls, can be conveyed without interruption. It doesn’t happen often enough. But when it does, there is a deep satisfaction in being heard and understood by another.
God offers that ear, that shoulder, that understanding every minute of every day. We have the privilege and honor of enjoying His presence that offers that continually. We never have to feel alone or unheard or unappreciated or misunderstood again if we engage with Him.
But what about God’s perspective? Are we letting Him share His heart with us? Are we taking the time to listen to what He wants to share with us? In our listening, are we trying to understand Him or are we planning the next thing that we are going to say or ask for? He has asked us, so incredibly, so kindly, to be His friends. Friends talk, but they also listen. They seek to know the other person more fully through what is said from the heart.
Jesus, please help me to be a friend who listens to hearts fully. Help me to hear and understand the hearts of others without my own agenda or distracted thoughts interfering. I want to listen to people that way, but Jesus I also want to listen to You that way. I want to really hear what You want to share with me. I want to listen to what Your heart is saying and not worry about what I “need” to say. Help me to ask You questions about Yourself and listen to Your answers that will deepen my relationship with You as I get to know you better with each conversation.
Listening. It’s a lost art in today’s world. But it is a thing of beauty and importance and is appreciated by everyone. A rare gift. And a gift that keeps on giving and ultimately receiving. May we give that gift to someone today. And may we offer Jesus our listening ear…
James 1:19 – My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
John 15:15 – I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
