Tuned In or Tuned Out?

"If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you...But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to tell you." James 1:5-6 LB

It's hard to listen. Listening is a big part of what I do everyday in my work as a therapist, and I still find it very challening. There are so many distractions, things I want to say, and don't forget tiredness and inattention added in the mix. And then I really should be listening at home, to the most important people in my world, but by then some days my brain's just had enough. I think it has an automatic shut-off switch. By my prayer time before bed, I should probably be praying Jesus words' "He who has ears to hear, let him hear" (Luke 8:8). If I find it difficult to listen to people actually speaking to me, how much harder it is to listen to God?

Then there's the tiny problem: do I really want to do what God wants me to do? What about all those things I have on my to do list? If I listen for His voice and follow His directions, will any of that to do list get done? Maybe the to do list is not all that important...after all, God has it all under control.

Jesus, please give me ears to hear...You first of all. Let me listen for you in the Word, and in the Christian friends and influences you have placed in my path. I believe that you will give me clear direction; and I pray that I will have the courage to listen to Your instruction and wisdom. Help me to be "tuned into You" at all times. And please give me ears to really and truly listen to my family, friends and those people you place in my path. Amen.

Life Step: Carve out ten minutes of quiet time in nature or in a comfy spot, all by yourself with God. Listen for what He is saying to you. Pray that you will have ears to hear.