Listen To Me!

May 12, 2022

Listen To Me!

When I was growing up, I often wondered if anyone was listening to me.  Granted, I was very quiet and extremely shy.  For my part, I could have been more outgoing and spoke up more often. 

However, my voice was not the same as everyone else’s voice.  My family moved from Dallas, Texas to Lincoln, Nebraska after I had completed Kindergarten and First Grade.  I brought along with me, a pretty thick Texas drawl that kids in my Second Grade class in Lincoln did not always understand.

Because of my Texas drawl, I was accused of cussing and was not allowed to play during school recess.  I was treated different because my voice was not the same.  It was probably not the best choice, but I responded by becoming even more shy and talking even less. 

It is no wonder I wondered if anyone was listening to me; I was not talking!

Things did not change much all the way through High School.  I received good grades but never talked much at school.  Sometimes I just wanted someone to listen to me.

Maybe that is why prayer is so important to me; I know Jesus listens to me. 

Jesus listens to my joy and my wild dreams.  Jesus listens to my fear and my sadness. 

Jesus listens to my expressions of love and my expressions of praise.  Jesus listens to my impatience and my anger. 

Jesus listens to my lack of direction and my lack of faith.  Jesus listens to my shouts and my silence. 

Jesus listens to all of me.  Jesus loves to hear the sound of my voice.  For that I am grateful.

I am still sometimes quiet.  However, the Holy Spirit has transformed my shyness into boldness.  It has been an amazing transformation.   

Just before worship a few weeks ago I heard someone say; “I am going to miss that voice.”  They were expressing their appreciation for my voice.  But, I know there was more to their comment than the timber of my voice.  They were grateful to hear the voice of God through my voice.

I invite you to take some time this week to listen to the voice of someone who is quiet.  Seek out someone who does not speak much but when they do speak their words are filled with Godly wisdom. 

Sit down with them for a while and listen to their heart, their mind, and their soul.  In James 1:19 we hear wise counsel; “You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger…”

The heart of someone you know is crying out; “Listen to me!”  Make the time, silence your agenda, and listen with every part of your being.  Maybe you will honor them and empower them.  Maybe you will hear a word from Jesus in their voice.  When you do, your heart will take delight in the Lord.

Take Delight In The Lord!             

Doug