Listen To Me – October 30, 2008

Listen To Me

Job 21:1-2

Jim Stephens

10-30-08

 

Scripture:

 

1 Then Job spoke again: 2 “Listen closely to what I am saying. You can console me by listening to me.”  (Job 21:1-2 NLT)

 

Observation and Application:

 

We must never underestimate the comforting effect of a caring, listening friend.  I have a friend who always has time to listen to me.  He listens to my silly jokes, he listens to my questions and uncertainties, he listens to my complaints and confusions, and he even listens to my bright ideas.

 

We don’t always see things just the same, nor do we always agree on the nature of the problem or the proper way to address it, but he listens to me.

 

I’ve had some notable experiences of listening to other people.  When I meet with pastors who live and serve in small churches in out of the way places, sometimes the best ministry I can offer them is to listen for an hour or so.

 

A few months ago Jean and I were sitting with a pastor and his wife, listening to their story of faithful but not outwardly “successful” ministry in a little Oregon town and I felt the Spirit of God whisper to me, “There’s no place on earth more important for you to be right now!”

 

Prayer:

 

Father, Thanks for the friends who listen to me.  Thanks for the opportunities you give me to listen to others.  Help me to do better with that, especially with listening to Jean.  Amen.