Listening politely and attentively when someone speaks to me shows good manners and respect for the person who is speaking. There are also benefits for me when I listen, especially when I am listening to God. It is definitely to my benefit to listen carefully to what He has to say to me.
When we listen to Him, He shows us the path to travel. He provides guidance, leading, directions and instruction we need. “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’” (Isaiah 30:21). You can see this in the lives of Moses, Abraham, Joseph, Daniel, David and many others.
Another benefit of listening is the peace within that we get when we listen to Him. That peace comes from an intimate relationship with Him. Knowing we are in God’s will and that He will lead us gives us peace. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). God will give you a deep assurance and abiding sense of rest. You won’t feel pressured or confused when you know you are listening to Him.
A positive attitude comes from listening to God as well. This is an all-encompassing attitude that God is in charge and in control. “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). “Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished” (Luke 1:45).
Also personal intimacy comes when we learn to hear God better. When we share ourselves with God and He with us, there is a deep connection that comes. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you” (Psalm 32:8-9).
Of course we can’t miss the fact that when we listen to God we feel purification. We feel clean inside when we confess sin He points out. We feel companionship and closeness to Him which makes us feel wholesome and accepted.
Listening develops in us a passion to obey God. God works from the inside out and refreshes us. He gives us an earnestness to get up and get moving to do what He wants. He increases our zeal and enthusiasm.
Finally, listening to God promotes listening to others. When God talked to the boy Samuel, it took the more experienced Eli to help teach him how to recognize and respond to God’s voice (1 Samuel 3:8-9).
With wonderful benefits like these, who wouldn’t want to spend time listening to God? What better use of time is there than communicating with the Creator of the Universe, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords?
Have you been better learning to recognize and follow His voice? Have you been spending time with Him listening as well as talking? Thank Him for the many benefits that come from listening to Him.
(If I can answer questions or offer personal counsel, or if you would like a free copy of my Spiritual Warfare Handbook, email me at Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org or download it from http://sw.christiantrainingonline.org/. My next book, Spiritual Warfare in the Bible, which is a more advanced treatment of spiritual warfare, is also available there for free.)