Matt Richards
Ecclesiastes 5:1 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.
Draw near to listen. The Qmplified puts it this way, 'draw near to hear'. The Message says 'enter to learn'. They all make the similar points we need to get close to God in order to listen. Often in my house it's hard for me to be heard; especially with my croaky voice, or the distractions of the dog, or washing up in the background. I will often have to say to the children, "come in here and I will tell you." It's the same with Jesus He says, "draw close to me and listen." Holy Spirit often doesn't shout secrets; but whispers them. So the first thing we have to do is get away from distractions and perhaps get alone with God. [I encourage everyone to set aside time with Jesus each day, some call it a devotional]. Other times when I am trying to explain, or ask for something my little girl will finish my sentence for me. Often times she gets it so wrong, and sometimes it's funny, but I let her finish. How many times when have I drawn close to God and done the same, I have just kept talking, filled in the blanks, and missed what He says.
“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.”
—Stephen R. Covey
Someone once said, 'we have two ears and one mouth for a reason.' We should listen twice as much as we speak. With people, I want to listen with the intent to understand. With God, I want to listen in order to learn, to obey, to understand, and just have friendship, and intimacy. Prayer, is a conversation with God and it's two way. When we get close to God let's make our words few and draw near to hear. Prayer:
Father forgive me for talking too much, for not listening. I choose to draw near to You today and to hear your voice. Draw me close to You again so I can hear Your voice. In Jesus' name Amen.
Comments