What steps can we take to better "give ear" to God's word? Key Verse “Give ear, O my people, to my instruction; incline your ears to the words of my mouth.” (Psalm 78:1) Why Listening Matters Because Scripture is wholly true, every word carries divine authority. Attentive hearing is not optional; it is the doorway to faith (Romans 10:17), life (Proverbs 4:20-22), and blessing (Luke 11:28). Practical Ways to “Give Ear” • Set a daily appointment – Choose a consistent time when distractions are minimal. – Treat it as firmly as any crucial commitment. • Read aloud – Hearing with the ears reinforces focus (Revelation 1:3). – Pause to savor key phrases; repetition anchors truth. • Pray for illumination before and after – Ask the Spirit to open your understanding (Psalm 119:18). – End by thanking God for what He revealed. • Take notes and mark your Bible – Write observations, cross-references, and applications. – A tangible record sharpens recall (Deuteronomy 6:9). • Meditate slowly – Ruminate on a phrase throughout the day (Psalm 1:2). – Turn it into praise or statement of faith. • Obey promptly – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). – Small, immediate obedience trains the heart to keep listening. • Share what you heard – Speaking truth reinforces it (Philemon 6). – Builds accountability within family or fellowship. Guard Against Hindrances • Noise and busyness – simplify schedules, silence devices (Mark 4:19). • Pre-settled opinions – approach the text willing to be corrected (Isaiah 66:2). • Ongoing sin – confess quickly; unrepentant hearts grow dull (Hebrews 3:12-13). Living Out What We Hear • Keep a running gratitude list for fulfilled promises. • Match each new directive with a concrete action step. • Revisit notes weekly to track growth; this is the “good soil” that “retains” and “produces a crop” (Luke 8:15). Summary Attentive listening starts with deliberate time in the Word, continues through prayerful meditation and immediate obedience, and is protected by a vigilant, repentant heart. As we “incline our ears” in these ways, God’s living voice shapes faith, character, and daily decisions. |
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