Open Our Eyes, Lord
Pastor Bob gave us an exercise on Sunday where he had us sit in silence for thirty seconds so we could listen to Jesus, He warned us this could make us a little uncomfortable, but to really allow the Lord to speak. I'm curious how many of your minds wandered. Did you start to pray words in your head? Maybe you thought about the discomfort you felt. Or perhaps you listened to the crinkling of the wrapper in the row three down from yours. It's amazing how in just thirty seconds we can become so unfocused and unable to truly listen to what's important.
It reminded me of an assignment I had in college where I had to spend four hours in silence for the same purpose. Four hours is a LOT of time to be in the quiet and it actually takes a great deal of work to keep your mind from wandering. "I wonder how long it's been. That shelf needs dusting after this. Did I remember to take the trash out? Oh, when I can finally do the talking I should really ask God to help with this thing that's been bothering me." All of these thoughts would run through my mind and I would have to redirect myself back into focus with God. It may sound silly, but I ended up sitting in the bottom of my dark closet to try and get away from the distractions.
This makes me wonder, how is my behavior when it comes to listening to others? How many times do I check my phone to see the time or if I received any other messages? How often am I thinking of the next task I need to accomplish instead of hearing the needs of the person in front of me? Am I thinking of my response more than I'm listening to what's being spoken? If I struggle to focus long enough to listen to God - my King, Best Friend, and Guide - for thirty seconds, let alone four hours, I'm sure I could improve on how I do this with God's people.
I want to become a better listener - someone who leans in, slows down, and truly hears the hearts of others. ’m asking the Lord to shape my habits so that I can love people the way He does. And I encourage you to try some of these ways to listen better as well:
Be fully present. Put your phone away, make eye contact, and remind yourself that this moment matters.
Pause before responding. Instead of planning your reply while they’re talking, wait until they finish - then respond with care.
Ask follow-up questions. Show genuine interest by asking them to share more.
Listen for the heart behind the words. Sometimes what’s not said is just as important as what is.
Practice silence with God. Spend a few minutes each day in quiet, simply listening for His voice.
Pray before conversations. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you hear what others need, not just what they say.
When we open our ears to listen, we open our hearts to love.
