God is so amazing with how he communicates with us. We need to be willing to listen for Him.
There are two key parts to having a fruitful conversation. Talking and Listening. The challenging conversations occur when the participants don’t adhere to that standard. That could be in the form of everyone talking (or yelling) at once. Or no one talking at all (stalled communication). In situations like that, the likelihood of walking away without clarity increases. That also happens when we find ourselves hearing something, but not actively listening with the intent purpose to understand what we hear. Have you ever been in a conversation and walked away thinking to yourself, “What just happened?” “What was the purpose of all that?” Instead of clarity, you’re even more confused than before you had the conversation.
I’ve been there! For me, in that type of situation, I was so confused that I didn’t even want to ask questions. I was worried the conversation would continue and it would get worse. Or I didn’t want to drag it out any longer than necessary. The point of it all being, it wasn’t a productive discussion. There is someone that I know who consistently falls into this category for me. It’s a struggle to hold a typical talk/listen conversation. Even if you have something to say or if you are answering a question they asked, they will speak over you the entire time. They will cut you off and limit your ability to complete your thoughts or questions. They will talk so much and for so long that you just might lose a grip on what the initial purpose of the conversation was. This is a pet peeve of mine so I won’t belabor the point, but it can obviously be a frustrating experience. For starters, when it happens to me, I don’t feel like I’m being heard and I have to repeat myself.
Generally, if you are a participant in a conversation and you have something to say, then you need the time and the space to say it. Here is an example of why that is so important. This same person that I mentioned above was with me one day when they took a phone call from a relative. This was a particularly stormy day. It was the middle of the afternoon, but impressively dark outside. Thunder, lightning, windy, buckets of rain. I mean, the whole nine yards. This person was surprised to be getting a phone call from their relative because they’d always been told not to talk on the phone during electrical storms. (We’ve all heard something like that, right?) Anyway, it was good that they called. They could let them know that they didn’t need to worry. Arrangements were already made and everything was taken care of. They pick up the call and all you can hear is a frantic flurry of words emitting from the caller on the other end. After that, the calls ends. This person glanced at me and said, “I didn’t get to give them the instructions.” And all I could think was “Wow”.
The conversation that the person I mentioned above had with their relative reminded me of prayer. How many times have we dialed up God, fired off a list of expectations, and ended the call? Walked away without waiting, watching, or listening for the response to a question or request? Without receiving instructions? That’s the whole point of a conversation. If I’m going to ask a question, then it stands to reason that I’m expecting an answer to it. My belief is that our society has made us expect things in an instant. How many of you own an instant pot? (Me!) Even though that pressure cooker can get the job done pretty swiftly, it still requires time. Think about it like a bag of popcorn that you pop in the microwave. If I remove it a few seconds after hitting the start button, then I have a bag of kernels to enjoy. But the treasure is in the waiting. In waiting and allowing time, not only will I receive what I requested, but it’s being tailor made just for me. Isn’t that amazing?!
That’s how God wants to work in our lives. Be mindful of that when you are spending time in prayer and meditation. As we pray, making petitions and supplication, not only will the answer address the need in our life, but it is being perfected and specified just for us. If we check out of a conversation, then we’re likely to miss some pertinent instructions. Don't end the conversation just because you said your piece. Quality conversations are give and take. Furthermore, it's not just about the listener hearing your laundry list. Occasionally, we may need to vent, but sometimes, the person you are conversing with needs to be listened to as well. That's the approach we need to take with our prayer life. I absolutely can and should cast all my woes and worries before God, but I should also spend time adoring, loving, and worshipping Him. I should also spend time listening, which I can't do effectively if I'm too busy talking. We should keep our line of communication open with God constantly. Unlike me, God’s ears don’t get tired and he certainly doesn’t grow weary of hearing from you. So keep those prayers coming and never, ever give up! A delayed response is not always a denial. I once heard a minister say that sometimes God wants to see us be faithful in our asking. If we trust God and we are confident enough to make a request, then let us exercise that same trust and confidence in our waiting for the answers. Listen for Him.
Stay Sunny!
Comments