Rule Number One . . . Listen

"Now therefore, listen to me, my children, For blessed are those who keep my ways. (Proverbs 8:32 NKJ)

People are good talkers. It seems we have so much to say that listening is a difficult exercise. Someone has rather obviously pointed out, "God gave us two ears and one mouth to listen more and to speak less." Whether that was God's reasoning or not, we do talk more and listen less.

My five-year-old grandson, Grant, is playing soccer again this season. The first thing the coaches teach the players is Rule Number One . . . Listen. All the children on the team can recite this rule, but, in the games, they must be continually reminded to pay attention and listen.

Dad was a quiet man. Someone asked him why He didn't say a lot until asked a question. He replied, "I can learn more by listening than by talking." Listening requires training. In my devotionals, I have trained myself to read Scripture, pray, and hum or sing hymns and praise. Yet, I still have trouble listening for a response.

Listening requires a silent tongue. It requires me to calmly wait, which I don't like. Listening is hindered by the cacophony of voices that surround me, demanding my attention. Work, family, politics, news media, social media, cell phones and so forth and so on. Yet, if I truly want God to "keep my ways, " then I have to regularly stop the roller coaster of attention-grabbers and listen to him.

In my conversations, I like for others to courteously allow me to speak. God expects the same courtesy. He is kind and courteous. He waits for me to stop before he speaks. He can't  convey his message while I talk. The Apostle Paul knew this when he said, "you who fear God, listen." I want to train myself to listen to God. He has promised his blessings to those who listen and obey.

Dear Father, thank you for starting a conversation with me. Enable me to listen to your Word, your Spirit, and your message. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Don't let your voice obscure His.