“Does anyone hear me?”

I often feel like screaming these words from the rooftop. Seriously, sometimes I just want to know if anyone is listening to the words that I am saying.

I know that my son heard me ask him to hang his coat on the hook, but it’s on the floor, so while he may have heard me, I don’t think he actually listened to what I said.
I know that my daughter heard me say to brush her hair before heading off to school, however, I’m noticing a few more tangles than a brushed head should have.
I know that my students heard me tell them that this is a quiet time, yet the noise level in the classroom is deafening.

I get frustrated with the lack of listening. I wonder if God does too. He says, “Do not worry.” And yet, I worry. “You are beautifully and wonderfully made.” Oh, sure, I hear him, but then I see myself in the mirror and I don’t see what he sees. Instead, my head is filled with insecurities and lies. “Plans to prosper…” yet sometimes I focus on only what is harming me.

God wants us to be good listeners. We know how good it feels when we’re not only heard, but actually listened to.

Samuel did a good job of listening. He not only heard the words of Eli, but he listened to them. He also had a desire to listen to the words of God. He said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
We would do well to do the same. Listen to the words of our Father. He tells us so many wonderful things. He shows us his faithfulness. He provides us with words of comfort, words of relief, words of hope.

When our hearts seem to be overwhelmed with the lack of hearing, maybe it’s time for our ears to perk up and do some listening.

Give your time to him and his Word. He has so much to tell you.