07/28/2023
A Thought For Today: I Hear You
There is something healing in being heard—really heard. It is some of the healing magic that takes place around the recovery tables of such groups as Alcoholics Anonymous and Celebrate Recovery. A cardinal rule at the tables is “No crosstalk”—meaning no interrupting while someone is sharing their story.
When we pour out the hurts of our heart to a friend, we don’t need them to come up with solutions to our problems. The three words that are a balm to our soul are: “I hear you.” Job agrees. He was a man who experienced the loss of everything that was ever dear to him; after his friends tried to fix him, he exclaimed, “Oh, that I had one to hear me!” (Job 31:35 ESV).
When a friend is sharing their problem, our natural instinct is to think of what our response will be. One of the greatest gifts we will ever give them is to just hear them out. Real listening requires that we set aside our judgements and opinions for a moment to give the person the time they need to tell their story. Listening says, “I love you, and I care about you.”
While we will never do this listening thing perfectly, we can be assured that we have One who has all the time in the world to hear our concerns. God promises in His Word: “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you” (Jeremiah 29:12 ESV).
For today, listen—really listen—to what your friends and family are trying to tell you. Thank God that He always gives His undivided attention when we call out to Him. Praise God that He not only hears, He also cares about the concerns of our hearts!
“O to be like Thee! full of compassion,
Loving, forgiving, tender and kind,
Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting,
Seeking the wand’ring sinner to find.
O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee!,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art!
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.”
Thomas O. Chisholm, “O to Be Like Thee!”
Public Domain
“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Psalm 91:14-16 ESV
“If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” Proverbs 18:13 ESV
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” 1 John 5:14 NIV
Be blessed and be a blessing! Like it? Share it! Thanks!
