Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God. (Isa. 40:28)
Have you ever spoken to someone of great importance only to have them half hear what you said? Most of the time, being hard of hearing isn’t the issue, but rather, selective hearing. They hear your voice, but don’t listen to what you are saying. This experience can be incredibly frustrating for the one speaking. No one likes repeating himself for the millionth time.
Yet again, Israel was caught complaining. They had received the promises of the Lord, yet had been selectively hard of hearing. Things hadn’t gone the way they were anticipating. God hadn’t moved in ways they had wanted and second-guessing soon followed. A testament to his faithfulness and strength, Isaiah gave insight into the depths of God’s love and wisdom. Yet again, God repeated his intentions and gave reassurance for the hard-of-hearing chosen.
Selective hearing can distract and mislead our hearts from what was originally communicated. When we hear in part, we can easily skew the little we heard. To grow in God, hearing his full counsel is important. Walking in his ways and staying true to his vision for our lives takes delicate and focused listening. However, even when we tune out or our attention drifts, God is loving enough to remind us once more of the goal and his ability to get us there. Selective hearing leads astray while a focused heart grows in grace.
Tune your ears and your heart to the voice of God.
Aaron Golden is a church planter and lead pastor at Union Point Church in New Bern, North Carolina.
© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
