I was writing last week’s post about hearing and listening.
I had written that hearing is the reception of moving airwaves; mostly passive, usually effortless.
Not only do we hear automatically, but we often respond the same way.
We grab a pot that’s bubbling over. We close a door to shut out noise.
I pointed out that listening is the reception of thoughts; primarily active, often demanding.
We choose our responses when we listen. We direct a whining child to hush. We turn our thoughts elsewhere if we think we’ve ‘heard it all before.’
When the post was nearly complete, Google Chrome ate it.
It was not a happy time. In case you didn’t notice, I missed my deadline.
Thankfully God redeemed my frustration.
Would you be surprised to learn that He brought Scripture to me on the topic the very next day?
God’s perspective on these related verbs appears in a conversation He has with Moses. He directs Moses how to deliver “the laws and rulings” His people are to follow when they enter the Promised Land. He begins in Deuteronomy 6:4, what some consider to be the most important Jewish prayer and is often the first prayer Jewish children learn.
“Sh’ma, Yisra’el! ADONAI Eloheinu, ADONAI echad [Hear, Isra’el! ADONAI our God, ADONAI is one]; and you are to love ADONAI your God with all your heart, all your being and all your resources.” Complete Jewish Bible, Translation by David H. Stern 1998
The opening word of God’s declaration is Sh’ma which means to hear. Yet God’s meaning is anything but the passive or effortless reception of moving airwaves. The word Sh’ma means to hear and listen, to receive the vibrating air and the message it carries. It also infers obedience.
God is not suggesting that those He named for Himself pass a pleasant moment or two letting His directions pass over us. He’s calling all who belong to Him to attend to His directions and follow them.
Three essential steps come to mind.
Those of us who desire balance, fulfillment, and joy would do well to undertake them.
Study
The only way we can obey God’s directions is if we know what they are. We need to dig into His Word to uncover all the things He has for us.
In this case, verse 5 explains, “and you are to love ADONAI your God with all your heart, all your being and all your resources.”
We need to set aside time and focus to wrestle with the deeper topics of faith and living.
How are you doing with that?
Prayer
Thankfully God doesn’t spew out assignments and then abandon us to stumble around to meet them. We can reach out to Him at any moment and receive intimate care.
“Seek the LORD while he may be found:
call on him while he is near.” Isaiah 55:6 NIV1984
We might begin our days or meals with prayer. We could start every task and every moment the same way.
How might that work for you?
Discipline
Joyfully it’s not all about us. We don’t have to crank up enough energy or inspiration or whatever it takes. We are not alone.
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” 1 Timothy 1:7 NIV1984
We would do well to relax and settle into the arms of Holy Spirit who offers confidence and courage to those who love ADONAI.
Are you ready for that kind of rest?
I’d say the LORD did a pretty good job of pulling me out of the dumps and restoring what He wanted to be shared.
May ADONAI bless you with His presence in all of His fullness. Amen
If you’ve been encouraged, please consider sharing this post with others who might be blessed. Thank you.