“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” James 1:19
As a young girl, I remember my dad repeatedly using the phrase, “The good Lord gave you two ears and one mouth so you can listen twice as much as you talk.” Dad was a Marine, and a man of few words by nature. Having two daughters who spoke approximately 20,000 words daily resulted in us hearing the aforementioned phrase when dad needed a little peace and quiet.
The book of James offers such practical, life-giving advice. The ability to listen well is often times the key to understanding people and situations with a more compassionate posture. However, what I find most comforting and miraculous is not my ability (or inability) to listen well…but that the King of Kings and Creator of the entire cosmos chooses to listen to me and then He graciously allows me to hear His “voice” in return.
“I love the LORD, for he heard my voice, he heard my cry for mercy. Because He turned his ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live.”
Psalm 116:1-2
My mind struggles to comprehend the wonder of unrestricted access to God’s ear and throne, but my heart is forever filled with gratitude and praise that deeply flawed but beloved children are absorbed by a love and grace too wonderful for words, a love that listens.
Sweet sisters, I pray that God’s voice will be the loudest one in your life. There is tremendous joy to be experienced when we listen for His leading, use our words wisely and remember our Heavenly Father delights in His children. (Zephaniah 3:17)