Friday, January 12

A Listening God

Narrative Lectionary Daily Devotions written by Kace Leetch from Clergy Stuff.

Have you ever noticed that, when being told something new, some people respond, "I see," while others say, "I hear you." In my experience, the "I see" people are more likely to go to an art museum than an orchestral performance. And the "I hear you" people would rather learn from a teacher than a textbook. Some are visual people. Others are auditory people. 

Today's psalmist is appealing to the auditory crowd. "Come and hear," they say. It's story time, and the psalmist is eager to share their story of God's faithfulness with any who will listen. When the psalmist cried to God, God listened.

Now, it's not Santa-level kind of listening. ("You better not pout, you better not cry, you better not shout, I'm telling you why... Santa Claus is coming...") God's not sitting around waiting to hear something God doesn't like so God can put coal in your stocking.

No, a listening God is not like one who listens just long enough for you to stop talking so they can top your story with theirs. God is more like the friend who turns off their phone so they can be fully focused on what you are saying. (I don't mean on vibrate -- I mean off.)  When God listens, there is no other sound in the world but your voice and God's breathing. God's listening is understanding, empathy, and support. God's listening is unlike anything we can offer. It's undivided and loving. So speak your truth, 'cause God is listening.

Narrative Lectionary Text: Psalm 66:16-19

Come and hear, all you who fear God,
   and I will tell what he has done for me. 
I cried aloud to him,
   and he was extolled with my tongue. 
If I had cherished iniquity in my heart,
   the Lord would not have listened. 
But truly God has listened;
   he has given heed to the words of my prayer.