Psalm 85:7-9 English Standard Version
7 Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation. 8 Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly. 9 Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land.
Who do we listen to in life? I hope that the title of this devotional “Listen Up” might place some remembrance of words used in our lives.
How we receive those words depends on our relationship with the speaker. The circumstance where those words are used may well determine our emotional response.
In some cases it is a preamble to a command. That speaker has authority over us. One example is being addressed by a military commander. Details important to an upcoming campaign might be shared. There may be specific details given that might save lives.
Here is another way to think of it. Let me hear what the Lord my God has to say. Preachers and teachers have their own style in addressing a general assembly. They might not know each person in attendance. They might say something like “Hear the Word of the Lord.” What should follow is scripture but what if it is a word of prophecy?
When we listen to others do we seek to hear what God is speaking into our hearts or do we allow our relationship with the speaker dictate how we accept what is said?
We will all stand before someone where we have no personal relationship, feel no submission, no attachment, and may even doubt. That should have no bearing in how we “listen up” in those moments, trying to hear our Lord in what is being said.
Spirit speaks to spirit.