Is it the way they respond, is it how they react, is it doing what you say or is it simply just someone who pays attention?
Some dictionaries define a “listener” as just someone who listens, while others define a “listener” as someone who listens attentively.
I’ve always thought that I’ve been a good listener when it comes to those around me but this year God’s been challenging me on how I listen to Him. He’s had me on quite the journey in regard to where He’s leading me for next year and I’ve been trying my hardest to be an attentive listener. However, as I’ve been on this journey I’ve learnt that although I am hearing what God is saying, I can often twist it to make it fit what I want God to say. I would find myself applying for jobs that weren’t meant to be or holding out hope for the wrong school when God had already opened the right door for me. As I was struggling with this and looking back on why God wasn’t opening the doors I thought He said he would open, I realised that’s not what God said – I had just made my mind up about what He meant rather than listening to what His specific words were.
In Proverbs God reminds us of listening to what He says and guarding it close. Proverbs 4:20-21 says “My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.” We need to hear what he is saying and keep them close to us so we don’t stray. God has great plans for each and every one of us and He can only guide us if we attentively listen to Him.
I pray that as you continue to listen to God you would pay more attention to what he is truly saying and his intentions, that you would listen attentively and with an open heart.
Grace