- It depends on who is doing the talking.
- If you are having a bad day and a well meaning friend quickly says its going to be OK or
- God says: "I will act on your behalf as you wait for Me." Isaiah 64:4
- How much does the person know about you?
- Your friend, that you share MOST of your ups and downs with or
- God who reminds you: "I will NEVER abandon you." Hebrews 13:5
- How the words are spoken.
- You are in great need and you can hear the quiet sighs of impatience on the other end of the phone or
- God listen with such patience and love telling you, "I will restore and refresh your weary soul" Psalm 23:3
I can remember feeling like the world was on my shoulders and a friend listened, I mean really listened and when I could finally be still enough to listen to her she offered her love and then pointed me to God and shared the most appropriate verses from the Bible. I can not tell you how that refreshed my spirit and gave me the courage to walk through another day. Words like, forgiven, grace, love {this one is a bit overused such as "I love that spaghetti."}, understand, been there, you can do it, I am here for you are all helpful. But to hear your Father in heaven tell you things like; "I will keep you safe because no one can snatch you out of My hand." {John 10:29} when things around you feel like they are closing in for the kill, are like a breath of fresh air in a stale room.
I don't know about you but when someone speaks words of life to me that is when I am most encouraged and lifted up. I think this song says it all!
Let your words be life and truth and you will never go wrong!
Full attention listening is rare and friends who offer to do that are a treasure indeed! We so often have our minds distracted and pay scant attention to those who need to pour out to us the most.
ReplyDeleteI am learning how to listen more to others, my life and (most importantly) to God this year. Your post has encouraged me to be a better listener.
The song also spoke to me about watching my words and making sure they bring Him honour and glory as far as possible. Thank you! Blessings :) x
First of all, I love that song by Hawk Nelson. Second, I enjoyed how you put into perspective...when we need someone do we lean on our friends who can give us momentary comfort, or do we lean on our Creator who knitted us with His hands?! I really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love these communities of encouragement {I'm visiting from Coffee for Your Heart}. I love the stories of our lives and how we all go through the same things, and we all have a struggle. And I love that we are all there to remind each other of how much we are loved, through Jesus Christ.