In what ways can we ensure our hearts are open to God's instruction? Job 36:10—God Opens Our Ears “He opens their ears to correction and commands that they turn from iniquity.” (Job 36:10) Elihu reminds us that God Himself takes the initiative to pry open our ears. Our part is to cooperate rather than resist. The following sections explore how to keep that inner posture of welcome. Cultivating a Responsive Heart • Humble yourself daily. Pride stiff-arms correction; humility invites it (Proverbs 3:5–6). • Confess sin quickly. Unconfessed sin clogs spiritual hearing (Psalm 66:18; Psalm 51:10). • Treasure Scripture as literal, life-giving truth. When the Word is final authority, the heart stays soft (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Invite the Spirit’s searchlight. Ask Him to expose blind spots (Psalm 139:23-24). • Choose immediate obedience. Each “yes” sensitizes the heart; each delay dulls it (James 1:21-22). Practical Rhythms That Keep Ears Open 1. Begin each day with surrendered listening. “Speak, for Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10). 2. Read Scripture aloud. Hearing the Word engages more senses and reinforces truth (Romans 10:17). 3. Journal insights and convictions. Writing helps lock in what God is saying and shows patterns over time. 4. Act on the smallest prompting. Obedience in little things trains the heart for bigger directives (Luke 16:10). 5. Regularly fast from noise—social media, entertainment, even constant music—so His voice isn’t crowded out (Mark 1:35). Warning Lights of a Closed Heart • Irritation when Scripture confronts cherished habits. • Excusing sin as “just my personality.” • Treating devotion time as a box to check rather than a dialogue. • Growing comfort with worldly messages that conflict with God’s Word (Hebrews 3:7-8). • A spirit of criticism toward godly counsel while surrounding oneself with affirming but unbiblical voices (2 Timothy 4:3). Encouragement from Across Scripture • Psalm 119:32—“I run in the path of Your commandments, for You will enlarge my heart.” God not only instructs; He broadens the heart to receive it. • Isaiah 66:2—“…But to this one will I look: to the humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.” Reverence attracts divine attention. • John 10:27—“My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” Relationship precedes recognition; belonging to Christ equips us to hear. • James 4:6—“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Grace flows where humility lives. • Revelation 3:20—“Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” Even rebuked believers receive the offer of renewed fellowship if they will simply open up. Living It Out • Set a recurring reminder to pause midday and ask, “Lord, is there any correction I’m ignoring?” • Memorize Job 36:10; recite it when temptation calls, affirming your willingness to turn from iniquity. • Share what God is teaching you with a trusted friend; verbal testimony reinforces pliability (Hebrews 10:24-25). • End each evening with a quick heart check: moments of drift, points of obedience, fresh resolves for tomorrow. As we stay humble, repentant, Word-anchored, and quick to obey, we position ourselves exactly where Job 36:10 pictures us—ears wide open, ready to receive everything our faithful God wants to say. |
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