By Trish Thompson, Ministry Pastor of Groups
Having two hours on the road in solitude after taking my son to camp, I am finally able to listen to the new audiobook, Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God by Dallas Willard. I thought it might compliment the personal study which I am currently doing. Yet, he brings an important point that I have not heard in my study. It is based on Mark 5:23 “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”
What I find interesting is the part which says “ears to hear.” While having ears is essential in holding glasses on my face, I always assumed the purpose of ears was hearing. But as I am listening, I am recalling conversations throughout the day with my teenage son who obviously did not hear a word of what I was saying.
I often have that selective hearing of my youth and say God is not speaking to me. I pray, but He doesn’t seem to answer them. I am wanting guidance about an issue, but I don’t feel His presence. I must confess that during these times it is me who is not seeking God. I am looking for quick fix not a relationship with my Savior.
God is in constant communication with us. He desires nothing more than having a relationship with us. Are we listening? Are we focused on hearing His voice? True communication occurs during relationship. It takes listening to the other person, not simply hearing. In your quiet time this week, practice sitting in silence and listening for the still small voice of the Holy Spirit inside you. You may never have to ask God “Can you hear me now?”
Having two hours on the road in solitude after taking my son to camp, I am finally able to listen to the new audiobook, Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God by Dallas Willard. I thought it might compliment the personal study which I am currently doing. Yet, he brings an important point that I have not heard in my study. It is based on Mark 5:23 “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”
What I find interesting is the part which says “ears to hear.” While having ears is essential in holding glasses on my face, I always assumed the purpose of ears was hearing. But as I am listening, I am recalling conversations throughout the day with my teenage son who obviously did not hear a word of what I was saying.
I often have that selective hearing of my youth and say God is not speaking to me. I pray, but He doesn’t seem to answer them. I am wanting guidance about an issue, but I don’t feel His presence. I must confess that during these times it is me who is not seeking God. I am looking for quick fix not a relationship with my Savior.
God is in constant communication with us. He desires nothing more than having a relationship with us. Are we listening? Are we focused on hearing His voice? True communication occurs during relationship. It takes listening to the other person, not simply hearing. In your quiet time this week, practice sitting in silence and listening for the still small voice of the Holy Spirit inside you. You may never have to ask God “Can you hear me now?”
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