Thanks for listening.
By Erik Farstad
December 23, 1997
"We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away." Hebrews 2:1
What is one of the things that all people desire? To be heard, listened to, for someone to show interest and concern! When we don’t listen or invest time into peoples lives, we won’t see their need. The world is in desperate need of people who are going to care, to really take the time and listen. What do you hear?
I am always amazed at how the Lord can HEAR all of our prayers at the same time, remember and answer them. Are we too busy, too quick or find it not important enough to stop an listen to our loved one’s. Just think if God said He was too busy to listen to our needs. How would that make you feel? Think about it...
How is your friend? Your wife/girlfriend? Your husband/boyfriend? Your co-worker? Your neighbor? When you receive excellent service at a store or restaurant it’s usually because they paid attention to you and your needs. Right? Notice the need....meet it!
Here in Hebrews the author is telling us that we must pay attention, listen to Christ, so that we do not fall away. The same goes for those around you. If you do not listen to those around you, you may lose them or they may drift away from you all too soon. Listening does not just involve your ears! It involves your heart, mind, body and mouth...all your senses. It may be a hug, a prayer or a kind word, listening is an action.
Do you hear someone in need? Someone searching for Christ? A cry in the dark? Now that you’ve heard, what will you do?
Hmmm....
Let this be your prayer today:
Dear Lord, you have showed me that there is no substitute for paying attention. First of all I praise you for your wiliness to listen to my needs, desires and concerns. I pray for a heart like yours, to listen and to love. I pray for your Holy Spirit to move me to invest in people, to listen to their needs. May I make it a point to take time, to stop if I have to, to be an ear. I acknowledge that I need to make it a priority to be there for others, may I not see my life as too busy or get caught up in my "own things." Thank you for listening to my prayers. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
When was the last time someone said, "Hey, thanks for listening and being a friend?"
In Him, "E"