He that hath ears to hear, let him hear (Matthew 11:15).
Photo by Julian Myles
You prayed about the career opportunity, but how good is your hearing? Misunderstanding the communication can cause you to wander aimlessly costing you time and peace of mind. All in all, you need to be clear about the message as well as who sent it. John 10:27 says, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:" This blog post suggests three ways to sharpen your hearing.
3 Ways to Sharpen Your Hearing
Stay connected.
Hebrews 5:11 says, "of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing". Spiritual tone deafness is the result of losing contact with the power source. God is the power source; you must abide in him (John 15:7). When you spend time in his presence daily, your awareness increases. At length, the connection gets stronger.
Reading the Word keeps you plugged in. God speaks through the Bible. For the word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
The story of David reveals the benefits of association. Because of David's daily fellowship with God, his life was spared while on the run from King Saul (1 Samuel, 22-23). What is more, David's military success was due to knowing when to advance and when to remain. God gave him the strategies (1 Chronicles14:14-17).
On the other hand, the narrative of King Saul, demonstrates what happens when you lose the relationship. "And Samuel said to Saul, why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: "
(1 Samuel 28:15). Saul resorted to seeking fortune tellers.
Meditating on scripture also strengthens your auditory senses. Psalm 119:105 reads, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Therefore, get the scriptures in your ears, get the scriptures in your eyes, and get the scriptures in your mouth. Find verses about hearing, and meditate on them.
In addition, establish a meeting place where you sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to what he has to say. Throughout the gospels Jesus separated himself from family, the crowds, and his disciples. But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness to pray (Luke 5:16). It allowed him to replenish and to get concise instructions on what to do next).
Finally, keep your mind on the Lord. You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you (Isaiah 26:3). Think about him when you wake up. Think about him throughout the day. Think about him before you go to bed.
Ask God's Spirit to help you hear.
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you (John 14:26).
The Holy Spirit is your helper. While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them (Acts 11:18).
I often repeat, "Speak Holy Spirit- speak," and "Holy Spirit help me to hear."
Give thanks.
Thank God for his attentiveness - Jesus did. Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me (John 11:41).
At the same time, express your gratitude for the ability to hear. "Thank you Lord; I have ears to hear, and I always hear you. I praise you for responding to my question about this situation." Praise and faith pave the pathway to understanding.
Write to Stephanie Harbin at sdharbin@yahoo.com.
Comments