The choice we have…

A life of hearing, or one of hustling.

The Scriptures urge:

“My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” (Proverbs 4:20–22 KJV)

Being attentive is more than nodding at the right moments. Believe me, Larna knows if I am being attentive or just politely pretending to listen. I have to admit, if my mind is involved in some project I am often guilty of a lack of attendance. My body is present, but I am not there. Often I have to go to her and humbly ask her to repeat what I was just nodding like a dog to.

So too with the Holy Ghost.

The word incline in these verses means “to bend away”. It means turning the ears to give attention to what is being said, with a commitment to really hear, and closing them to the noise around you.

It means moving your attention from what has captured you, and giving wholehearted focus to the one who is speaking.

The Holy Spirit wants to speak to each one of us intimately and clearly. His voice is alive with healing, health, strength and prosperity beyond our wildest dreams. A prosperous life is more than money, but does come fully furnished with everything that pertains to life (in the natural) and godliness (in the spiritual).

Nothing is left out. God has not left us wanting.

The great thing about hearing is that God’s words are pregnant with something powerful.

Faith!

“Faith comes by hearing” (Romans 10:17).

Moreover,

“Faith gives substance to the things we hope for”. (Hebrews 11:1)

It’s way too tempting to try, to fight, to push our way to a successful outcome. But I believe there is an easier way. One where the yoke does not chafe. Where the burden is not heavy or loathsome.

It is the way of hearing God speak and direct your steps. It is the way of peace, where your confidence in action is based on the word you have heard.

Faith sees and receives what is promised before those things are held in the hand, but they are just, if not more, real than the thing itself.

Your future lays before you, invisible to the natural eye, but planned in detail by the trinity. Their blueprints are not locked away in some vault somewhere, they are open on the table, and they are eager to bring you into conference.

Consider these words:

“That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” (1 John 1:3–4 KJV)

Fellowship: association, community, communion, joint participation, contact, social intercourse

Then accept the invitation.