I wish I had a video of this conversation. I was seated on a plane as we were boarding for an on-time departure. A man who looked to be about my age approached my row and informed me that he had the window seat and so I got up to let him in.
That’s when this conversation happened:
Man: Looks like it’s about to snow?
Me: Yes, that’s the forecast. I hope we don’t have any delays.
Man: It would be a shame if we had a delay.
Me: Yeah, I’m connecting in Atlanta, how about you?
Man: Thanks, Sweetheart, I love you too.
Huh?
It was then I realized he was having a conversation on his phone with someone else. He didn’t even hear what I was saying because he had earbuds in. I had been talking out loud, and he was too, but we were not talking to each other. The whole thing struck me as funny.
I wonder how many times I’ve done God the very same way? I’m doing a bunch of talking and He is too, but I’m not listening to him. I’m talking for the benefit of myself or others and not really listening to what He wants to say to me.
I’m reminded of an old Luke Garrett song called, “He Hears Every Word.” Part of the chorus says,
He hears every word, from shouts of praise to silent cries.
They have all been heard. All the blessings and the alibies.
God hears me. But, how well am I hearing Him? I know this about God — He wants to speak to me. He wants to hear from me. The question I have for myself is, why am I so prone to keep my earbuds in?
Isaiah 50:4 says, “The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are instructed to know how to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens me each morning; he awakens my ear to listen like those who are being instructed.” (Isaiah 50:4, CSB)
I know how to talk. Lord, help me to listen.
Mike Harland is the Director of LifeWay Worship. When he’s not directing 30+ employees, you’ll find him leading worship at various churches around the country, writing/arranging worship songs and/or, writing his next book (checkout his latest book: Worship Essentials). In his spare time, he loves playing basketball and spending time with his family (and his two new grand-babies). Visit MikeHarland.com to keep up with all that Mike has going on.
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