When Do We Listen?

Borrowed from Commons

I always have more questions than answers, but often answers show up right and when needed. Especially when we listen. This graphic shows someone listening to another. Wonder what was said.

Thursday I did so well listening to my own body. I didn't feel "well." You know, when you can't define "well" yet know something isn't "right"? Quick thermometer check showed a low grade fever and people I been around have a "bug," so take a pill, rest, and get better is somewhere in a book, right?

That night was uncomfortable and sleep was fitful. So Friday morning after breakfast a nap was easily acceptable. The swollen left leg I woke up to wasn't, neither was the new redness by my ankle. Doctor's office closed at noon. Did you know four adults can not make a decision about what one should do? Especially when one states "I do not think I should go to the ER!"

By Saturday morning I did think I should call the 24/7 nurse our insurance offers who explained why I not only needed to go, but why it needed to be ER rather than urgent care. We went. I'm getting better. 

Why do we do that? Humans are good about putting off what is inevitable. We think we have forever - not listening to the time limits that exist for a variety of reasons. At 85 I have survived longer than most actuarial tables anticipate. I should pay attention to any change my body demonstrates - but I don't want to know why it changed. 

Of course my own thoughts apply that same physical logic tour souls. Christians have the Holy Spirit's guidance, but we can quench that:

Quench not the Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:19)

Non-Christians have the Spirit reaching out to them, too. The sower example Jesus gave (Matthew 13:1-23) is best when he explains how those who hear the word respond incorrectly:

But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. (Matthew 13:20-22)

There are times I've heard His words and ignored them. Those times I've been an unfruitful Christian. By not doing what I know is to be done is actually as bad as doing what I know is sinful. Paul faced that:

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. (Romans 7:18-19)

It is only by God's grace that our sinfulness does not overtake me:

Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: (2 Timothy 1:8-10)

I feel a need to share God's answer to all of my questions. I'm not that different from anyone who has been face to face with the question of how did I get here and what do I do next? Those always indicate turmoil and some distress. It is not a psychological answer but a spiritual one that offers peace. A much more lasting answer than mental or physical therapy is the peace offered as a gift. 

Much longer lasting, too. An acknowledgement of the God of the Bible requires acknowledgement that He is the God of the living - Moses, Elisha, Lazarus, and Jesus, the Messiah of the living God - and me, along with billions of others. 

Are you with me now?