Hearing versus Listening

 Today is day 2 of our monthly fast, and we're continuing our study of listen. 

I've heard it said that there is a difference between hearing and listening. Both include the ear, but one compels action or retrieval of information for a later time. 

Are you a good listener? How do you measure your listening skills? Is it measured through your ability to carry out an action or your ability to repeat what was communicated to you? As we look through scripture there is evidence of both. Scripture denotes listening to God is evidenced by our obedience. 

 Isaiah prayed "For from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear, nor has the eye seen a God besides You, who acts in behalf of the one who waits for Him."(Isaiah 64: 4)

In the above passage Isaiah distinguishes between hearing and perception. This is important, for "perceived by the ear" in Hebrew is azan which means to hear, listen, to be obedient, harken. Isaiah is essentially saying that the people of God had not operated in obedience, though they knew that Yahweh is the one true God. 

Throughout scripture we see patterns of behavior in which the people of God struggle to perceive with the ear. Lack of perception can cause us to default to the governing of the flesh for "there is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."(Proverbs 14:12) And this is relatable. We know God is God! There is no one like Him and yet, if we aren't listening to Him we can unfortunately miss Him. Listening to God positions us to operate in a manner worthy of our calling. We move from religious acts to earnest surrender and we become vessels for honorable use. 

May you read and pray the scriptures below

Luke 11:28

"But He said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”

James 1:22

"But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves."

Matthew 7:24

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock."

May we embrace stillness today. Be encouraged to sit before the Lord with intention. Put away all forms of distraction, spend time worshipping, and pray for Holy Spirit to give you revelation as you read the scriptures. Then pray the Word of God and ask the Lord to strengthen you to walk in complete obedience to His will. 



 


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