Every fall, I determine the best time for our church staff meetings based on current programming and staff schedules. This year, because of Adam’s seminary schedule and the Women’s Bible Study, I moved the staff meeting from Tuesdays at 10:30 to Mondays at 10:30. I announced this change in yesterday morning’s staff meeting.
Yesterday afternoon, Adam came to my office and explained that he would probably have to miss the staff meeting because of his class schedule. That was the moment I realized even though Adam had been sitting next to me in the staff meeting, when I announced the change, he hadn’t heard it.
I said, “You didn’t hear a word I said, did you?” Adam looked like a deer caught in the headlights.
At first, I was truly amazed that Adam hadn’t heard what I said but then I started thinking.
In those moments when I am petty, mean spirited, jealous, arrogant, unwilling to forgive, graceless, gossiping, filled with contempt, hateful, insensitive, miserly, quick tempered, resentful, unloving, and unwilling to help someone in need, God says, “You didn’t hear a word I said, did you?”
The point is God is always speaking, always trying to communicate, to the most hardheaded, stubborn part of creation – us. But so often we don’t hear because we aren’t listening.
When we truly hear God, we are put on the right path. And, in the midst of a very dark and confusing world, we find direction, purpose, and meaning. It is hearing and responding to God’s call that creates an authentic life. That is what the psalmist meant by saying: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
So listen for God, follow God’s will, and become the person God created you to be. All you have to do is be intentional about hearing.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, in a world filled with competing demands for my time and attention, help me hear your word. Remove the distractions that get in my way and help me be a person motivated by a legitimate holy purpose. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
In the busyness of this day, take some time to listen for God to speak to the circumstance of your life.
Live your life in such a way, that you never hear God say: “You didn’t hear a word I said, did you?”
Also, just for the record, if God is willing to put up with me, then I am willing to put up with Adam. It’s the Christian thing to do and he’s a great praise team leader.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 