A Listening Heart

 

     It’s safe and easy to stick with the usual, surface conversations. When we first see someone or connect on the phone, it’s an automatic, “How are you?” And we don’t necessarily want to hear the truth. The recommended and common answers? “I’m fine.” “I’m good,” “I’m well.” And, “How are you?” The expected conversation typically involves, kids, vacations, cars, grandkids, food and the like.

     Those surface conversations are important and necessary. When life is running along smoothly, those conversations come naturally. Thankfully there are relationships where we can go deeper. We can be honest with our hurts, our worries, our fears and truly listen to one another as we make time, sit patiently, nod and comfort and offer encouragement. Let’s be the Christ-centered, compassionate believers that stop to do just that. Life is too short to live on the surface. We can go deeper. I am so thankful for those who have listened to me over the years through life’s deepest hurts. We all have those times in our lives.

     God goes deep with us. When we don’t have a listening ear, He is always ready with an open heart to ease our burdens. But as the little boy said when his mom told him Jesus is always there. “I know, mom, but sometimes I need someone with skin on.” Let the compassion you have received from God flow through you out to others. God’s Holy Spirit will show us the deep and miraculous ways of God so that we can be available to others around us.

However, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”-the things God has prepared for those who love Him-these are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.  1 Corinthians 2:9-10

Jesus,

Thank you for going deeper with us and leading us to the Spirit-filled life available to us. Help us to bring those deep things of God to others. You give us so much. We cannot conceive of everything you have planned for us and the abundant life available for us to live.

Amen