2:17 – Listening without expectation

#faithbites #faithjourney expectation

As people, we communicate all the time. We talk to be heard. We talk to share information, build consensus, nurture ideas, fight, debate, and more. Sometimes though, we just need someone to listen to us without wanting or needing them to take action. Sometimes, just someone acknowledging that life can be a bag of suck, that you are not alone, and they understand you. That can be a very powerful connection.

We have talked about my setbacks this week. The pain, the frustration, and the broken-hardheartedness of having plans thrown for a loop. Today, before a meeting, I was talking to one of my colleagues who happens to be an administrator in the college where some of my issues happened. I explained what had happened, what I was feeling, and how it was upsetting me. We talked through the situation, she understood my feelings, she saw potential areas for improvement to the process, and helped me digest what was going on. More than that, she didn’t take any actions. She gave me some thoughts and said if/when I’m ready to move on, to talk to her and she can help me. That was pretty amazing. I had no expectations of help, just an ear to listen to my feeling, struggles, and thoughts.

Scripture

• making your ear attentive to wisdom
      and inclining your heart to understanding; – Proverbs 2:2
• Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. – Jeremiah 29:12

Reflection

We are a faith of action. We are called to help others in all times (Deuteronomy 15:11, Galatians 6:2, Hebrews 13:16) and the list goes on and on. Sometimes though, the best action we can do is just to listen. Not to try to solve the problem, not try to do anything but listen and understand.

The Lord is always there to listen to us. All we have to do is turn our voices to him and pray. He will not only listen but will answer us if we listen to him.

I pray every night for many things. Sometimes, I pray just so God hears me. There are times, when I don’t even know what to say, so I just say “God, I don’t have the words to express how I’m feeling, but you know what is on my heart. Please help me”.

Like God answering our prayers, we can be that ear for others when they need it. We can listen, acknowledge, and comfort without trying to solve.

Charge

When you ask someone if they are ok, and they are obviously not, try to lend an ear. If someone tells you something, be there to listen. Ask if they want solutions or just someone to listen to them. Many times, just talking about what is bothering them, without a solution, can be enough. It can help them heal.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for those in my life who listen to me. Give all us the strength to be vulnerable and open up to others. While we may want to help a person solve their problems, let us truly listen to them and be there for them in the way they want. Help us try to emulate your listening and support when our friends and loved ones need us. In Jesus’s name, Amen