On Learning to Listen
>> Friday, August 22, 2008
In this section, Eldredge discusses starting with asking God simple questions and "trying on" answers if we need to. Have you taken the opportunity to try doing this? If so, what has the Father shown you? Has this changed the way that you talk to Him? How you listen?
In case you don't have the workbook (not necessary for the blog, but it is very good)----Eldredge goes into this a little more on this issue. One thing that I thought was very important is that we should not get frustrated if we do not feel that we hear God speaking to us right away. We might ask how we know that it is God talking to us, rather than our own thoughts. (If you are like me, it is difficult to quiet your own thoughts--My thoughts seem to ramble on and on at times...) His answer to this question is "you will over time." He recommends listening to your own thoughts for a little while so that you are used to them and can then better differentiate. Then, intentionally quiet your own thoughts and "be still" to make room for God to speak to you.
What I thought was particularly important to mention is that we should "test the fruit" of what we hear. "If you embrace the thought as from God, as being true, what is the fruit? Does it bring hope, love, joy, comfort? That sounds like God. Does it bring sorrow or discouragement, or wors, accusation and self-reproach? God is not the accuser - Satan is. SO if you hear condemning things you know that's not from God (Romans 8:1)."
3 comments:
This section was very key for me. One thing that really stood out was opening of this section. Eldridge says "we are invited to become followers of Jesus. Not just believers. Followers. There is a difference. Follower assumes that someone else is doing the leading." I realized that I'm not a very good follower. I tend to have my day planned and I don't stray from it. How is that following Jesus?
Something else that stood out was on page 31. "If I can only hear an answer that agrees with what I want to hear, then I am not in a posture of surrender to God's will...." Wow! How often do I not listen because it's not the answer I want. Very convicting.
I am right there with Julie. I think that in the past, I have often "heard" answers that I want to hear, not truly surrendering and listening. I assumed that if I was supposed to go another way, then He would cause circumstances to stop me from going that direction. That is just another form of willful disobedience. He says one thing and I go another way because I want to...just now realizing that it is the same thing as me silently saying, "well, go ahead and stop me if you don't want me to do it".
I think asking Him simple questions has already changed my life and my line of communication with God. I have been praying when the boys go down for naps.."How do you want me to spend this time? Whatever you tell me to do, I will follow and that is what I will do..with a happy heart." I have noticed that the kids have actually been sleeping longer and I feel like I have accomplished much more since starting this. He has even lead me to a wonderful, guiltless nap one afternoon! I can't remember the last time that happened!
Hmmmmm. I think I need a lot of practice at this one. I find it very difficult right now to find the "quiet" that I need to concentrate and listen. I rarely have more than 20-30 minutes a day where both children are asleep at the same time. And lately my oldest has been resisting naps! I may need to be asking God if he would help me to find that quiet time. I need it desperately...to grow in Him and to practice my question asking.
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