Listen Openly

Listen Openly

“Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.”

Hebrews 3:7–8

To listen to God openly means to be willing to hear whatever He has to say. Whether He wants to correct or comfort you, convict or assure you, it’s important you focus on Him wholeheartedly.

Doing this isn’t always easy. You may be looking for encouragement from God when instead He has a word of admonishment for you. But be warned—if you are unwilling to hear what He has to say, your heart will harden toward His Spirit and your need for discipline will most likely increase.

Therefore, as you listen to the Father—humbly dependent upon His Holy Spirit—don’t be surprised when He brings to mind areas of your life that need to change. Do not pick and choose what you want to hear. Listen to and obey Him—He is revealing these issues for your benefit and healing. If you refuse to hear His warnings, it could lead to your ruin.

Friend, the Savior always speaks for your good. Therefore, accept whatever He says—both the positive and the negative—trusting that He has a positive goal in mind.

Lord, open my ears that I might hear both Your comfort and correction, amen.

In His presence . . . listen to all that He has to say.