The Listening Blessing

Honestly, I must intentionally focus on listening to those who are speaking to me because my mind tends to be a wanderer. This clarion call comes from the Apostle James: “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

I’ll never forget the time(s) when listening intently really paid off for me. I was hurt because of what someone said to me. So, I thought, I’ll state my case in a kind lengthy email. I made sure that my words were only slightly tainted with my hurt. I was ready to hit the “send” button when I stopped short.

I sensed I shouldn’t send it yet. I knew I needed to have a little talk with my Heavenly Father first. I sat back in my chair and prayed over the email I was about to launch.

That prayer nudged me to sleep on it. I did. Next morning, I realized that no matter how savory my words were, they could be misinterpreted. I realized the same Holy Spirit Who nudged me to sleep on it, is the same Holy Spirit that lives in my friend.

We’ve all heard the saying, “Sleep on it. Give it fresh eyes in the morning.” Good advice. I know that routine because that’s what I do each day after I’ve typed my blog. Since I make sure my blog goes live by 6 am every day, I sleep on it and with fresh eyes I scan it again.

Invariably, I’ll see a grammatical error or a sentence that isn’t needed or it’s way too long, so I edit something out that isn’t necessary. I like to think it’s not just my eyes that scans it, but Holy Spirit scans it with me. I know those edits are heaven-sent!

I’ve learned my lessons well because there were times when I sensed God’s nudges and ignored them. Now, I’ve come to welcome those warnings because it isn’t worth the misery that could be caused.

I count on Holy Spirit’s voice before I send a text message, an email, or even speak my mind. I do my best to take my time to consider the outcome if I say this or that. I’d like to say I’ve conquered the hastily spoken words, but this gal is a work in progress.

I am ever grateful that God uses whatever it takes to protect us from our own undoing. His voice is one of protection AND correction! Thank you, Lord, for your nudges, your whispers, and your daily presence in our lives.

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you unsearchable things you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3)