Learning to Listen Well

It has been one of those weeks. The kind that has been filled with big, heavy circumstances. Not mine necessarily. But I have heard lots of stories of heartache and sadness this week. I have heard voices of anger and frustration. I have heard voices of pain. I have heard voices of despair. I have heard voices of desperate need. I have heard voices claiming healing. I have heard voices of reason. Voices of Hope. Voices of Love. Voices of discernment and wisdom.


Sometimes we can hear all of those voices in the same conversation. What we hear depends on how well we listen. The way we listen. With what perspective we choose to hear.


As I sit here this morning, listening, I hear a voice that tells me to listen with His ears. To learn to listen beyond the words. To follow the lead of Jesus and listen to the heart.


I have learned over the years to seek wise voices. When I am not sure of what to say or what to think or how to respond, I have learned to seek and not speak. Seek first His voice. Seek the voice that seeks His word. Seek the voice that speaks Truth no matter what. Seek the voice that loves because they know how to listen well.


As I share what I think I heard this week and try to pray for my sweet friends; I find myself hearing behind some of the words. I don't know how to describe it. It is that mystery. The groanings being interpreted in intercession. The words being formed for me. The hidden things of the heart being brought to light. The Teacher showing me how to listen well.

Listen carefully to my wisdom; 

take to heart what I can teach you. 

You'll treasure its sweetness deep within; 

you'll give it bold expression in your speech. 

Proverbs 22:17-18 the message