How many times do I hear God and not listen? Too many, I suppose! And, I’m really not proud of it. I remember as a young person and still living at home, how my father would make time to “talk” to me.
He knew when I disagreed with him. He knew when to explain his decision on an issue that involved me. He did it out of love and not because he had to explain it further. Of course, then, I really didn’t fully understand the what and why he did it.
In my young life I used to think that my dad didn’t know that much after all he didn’t even finish high school. But as I grew older and reflected on our “talks” I realized that he may not have been “educated” by the standards of the day. Nonetheless, my dad was a “wise” man learned by the extreme experiences of his growing up years. And, I realized that because of his suffering and abuses he didn’t want that for me.
Oh, he was tough, but he was a giver, and served God when he committed his life. When I started to become more aware of what he was trying to share and tell me; I not only heard him, but listened. And, it definitely made a difference in my love, respect and relationship with my dad.
I write all of this to relay that if I’m not careful, I do the same with God, my Heavenly Father. The Psalmist wrote about God, “But no, my people wouldn’t listen. Israel did not want me around. So I let them follow their own stubborn desires, living according to their own ideas.”
But, God was as he is today in love with his chosen. “Oh, that my people would listen to me! Oh that they would follow me, walking in my paths.” God does care so much for us, and unfortunately many of us miss his daily and constant messages because we fail to truly listen.
The scriptures tell me that even though “his chosen” failed to listen as he wanted them to; “He cared for them with a true heart and led them with skillful hands.”
I desire the Lord’s care and his leading. I want the relationship I had with my dad; with my Heavenly Father. I will listen, and listen with an open heart.
I will do as the Psalmist wrote, “But as for me, I will always proclaim what God has done…” I will listen to help me proclaim all that God does all that God says and all that God is!
ritasalomon 