Listening to God
Photo by Daniel Reche: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-and-silver-headphones-on-black-surface-3721941/
There are some people who like to talk, a lot. You probably know somebody like that (you may be somebody like that!). They have an amazing ability to use a lot of words when talking about anything.
They are great to have around if you need somebody to get a conversation started, as once you engage with them, they are off.
I once shared a car journey with somebody who liked to talk. The trip was about 45 minutes and from the moment we left, to the time we arrived, this person kept talking! I only managed to say a few sentences, as they drew breath.
There was another time, when I actually avoided somebody, because I knew they talked a lot. How bad is that! The truth is, I was a bit pushed for time and I knew that if I stopped for a chat, it would be very difficult to get away without appearing rude. So, on that occasion I avoided them.
In the song ‘Every Breaking Wave’ by U2, the lead singer, Bono, wrote: ‘But it's hard to listen while you preach’. Meaning, if you are talking all the time, you can’t / don’t hear what others are actually saying.
In the Bible there is a book called Ecclesiastes, which is generally believed to have been written by King Solomon, where it says…
“Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”
King Solomon asked God for wisdom when he began his reign over Israel, so his writings are worth paying attention to.
He describes somebody coming before God. In Solomon’s day, this would have been at the Temple where sacrifices were made and prayers said to God, as part of Israel’s worship traditions.
Solomon says that when someone approaches God, they should do so in an attitude of coming to hear what God has to say. I think this is based on his own experience, as he received much wisdom from God!
I also believe that someone’s personal relationship with God is about a two-way conversation: talking and listening to God.
We should not just be bringing our ‘shopping list’ prayers to God, hoping He will answer them, like some kind of genie.
Solomon’s wise advice is an encouragement to come to God in awe, to be quiet before Him, and to listen to what He has to say.
Why not give it a go this week…
God bless you :)
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader