My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. James 1:19-20
Dear Lord Jesus, this portion of your Word is coming like a surgery scalpel this morning laser directed at an annoying mass in my heart. My encouragement is in knowing Who’s doing the surgery and to what end. Here’s my lament, my sincere confession and my repentance.
Sometimes what I call being “hard of hearing” is, more honestly, a case of my “hardly listening.” You’ve given me two ears and one mouth and the anatomical ratio is no mere accident. Today, I’m coming before you acknowledging my need to do a far better job of being quick and thorough in my listening. I make no excuses.
Jesus, I take my cue from you, because there’s no one who’s more quick to listen than you. I never have to snap my fingers to get your attention or to “reel” you back into focus. I never catch you looking away, as though you’re bored with me. I never have to repeat myself several times to make sure you heard what I really said. You never interrupt me. You never spin what I’m saying. You never “over-speak” when I’m trying to tell you something. There’s no one who listens so attentively, respectively and compassionately as you, Jesus.
I don’t need healing for deafness, but grace for listening deeply with the ears of my heart. First and foremost, I want to listen to you, Jesus. You’re always speaking, by the Spirit through the Word, and you alone have the words of life. What a foolish man I am not to be poised to hang onto every syllable of grace, mercy and peace you utter…
But I sincerely want to give my wife, my children and my friends the gift of being really heard. I really find no joy in unnecessarily frustrating the very people who love me so much. Bring the gospel to bear in such a way that I will become more notorious for my good listening than for my much speaking…
O what a humbling joy it is to confess specific sin to you today, Jesus, confident of your kind-hearted love… free from all condemnation… and expectant of your timely help. So very Amen, I pray, in the riches of your great name.