I Choose to Listen

I sat at the table this morning having breakfast and reading my Oswald Chambers devotional, the title was “Must I Listen”. I had not quite finished reading it when I noticed the birds chirping outside. I paused and listened. It was the same consistent chirp over and over, steady and persistent. This went on for several minutes. Then there was silence.

I began thinking about the many times God has had to tell me the same thing over and over. He may speak to me directly, during my prayer and meditation times, or He may speak to me during my bike rides, or walks through the park. He often speaks to me through other people; in church, in my meetings or just during times of fellowship or general conversations. Many times the message I am receiving from Him through someone is one He has already given to me either directly or through someone else.

I have learned that when God gives instruction He wants me to obey. He cares so much for me and wants what is best for me, that He will repeat the same instruction until He knows I have listened and I understand. Then He will wait. There is silence. God is waiting for my response. When I feel the silence, I must ask myself, why am I not hearing God? Is He speaking? Am I not listening? Has He already spoken? Is He waiting for my response?

“The destiny of my spiritual life is such identification with Jesus Christ that I always hear God, and I know that God always hears me. (John 11:41) If I am united with Jesus Christ, I hear God, by the devotion of hearing all the time.” (Oswald Chambers)

Heavenly Father, thank you, for always listening to me. Help me to not be so caught up in other things; my work, my service, my own thoughts and convictions that I do not listen for you. May I always be open to receive the messages You have for me through the messengers You put in my life. Grant me courage to obey and not be stopped by silence. Today I choose to listen.

“ Speak Lord, Thy servant is listening.” 1 Sam 3:10

“Listening” – the act of hearing attentively

Do you listen to the birds chirping? Or do you hear them as part of natures background music?