An Answer From God?

I once asked my friend to go to lunch with me.  I began the conversation by saying,  "I am feeling discouraged."  He listened--intently--as I told him about feeling discouraged with my work.  He asked a few probing questions and listened as I responded.  No explanation or frustration from me seemed out of bounds.  He listened and made a few suggestions.

Many years ago, I probably wouldn't have said anything.  I'm not sure why.  Maybe, in part, it has to do with a bad habit we have acquired in churches.  Churches will put out the welcome sign, "We care about you!  We love people.  Welcome!  etc."  All of those words printed in the church newsletter or said from a podium may mean nothing.  People are still loved the old fashion way.  One at a time.  When I feel discouraged, I am not about to sit down with someone who I have no relationship with and express what I said that day to my friend.   

When I feel discouraged, nothing seems or feels right.  It is like a gray cloud is following me around.  When I feel this way, things don't appear hopeful.  The future does not appear to be bright.  Yet, what I don't want to do is retreat, isolate, and withdraw.  That only makes it worse.

I have learned that when I feel this way, it is important to be open to feedback and good counsel from a trusted friend.  Yet, I have also learned it is important not to insist on hearing what I want to hear.  Have you ever known people who dismissed others off if what was said was not pleasing to them?

Many years ago, a couple came to talk with me.  They were not members of our church or any other church.  They just appeared in my office from the community.  Talking with them seemed like we were in a battle.  They were having marriage difficulties.  They asked me what I thought.  I told them.  They asked me what to do.  I told them what I thought they ought to do.  They did not like it.  They didn't like what I thought.  They didn't like what I suggested. 

Maybe I need to ask, "Am I listening, or have I already decided what I want to hear and what I don't want to hear?"

• What if the Dr. says I need to lose weight and get regular exercise?
• What if my close friend begins to raise questions about the wisdom of buying a particular house?
• What if a teacher expresses concern over the lack of sleep my child is getting?
• What if the word of God becomes like a mirror, allowing me to see myself, a self-centered person in that mirror?
• What if a trusted spiritual adviser begins to express concern about my anger?
• What if my employer shares a concern about a flippant remark that I made to a customer in a weak effort to be funny?
• What if my child raises the issue of fairness with me? (Could she be right?)
  
• What if my professor tells me that I need to put in more hours studying for her class?
• What if a wise older man or woman who I have known and confided in for years, talks with me about the way I am handling (or mishandling) a situation with my small children?

Of course, all of these people could be wrong.   Yet, do I have a heart that is open to what they are saying? 

Could it be that as I have prayed about my future, these words from my Dr. are actually an answer to prayer? 

Could it be that as I have prayed about my classes at the university, these words from my professor are actually an answer to prayer?

Could it be that as I have prayed for daily wisdom regarding my small children, this concern expressed by this older man or woman is God's answer to my prayer?

Comments

[Greg England]

We often mistake hearing for listening. And much of what we think is listening is merely mind chatter ... how I'm going to repspond.

Thought provoking, as always, Jim.

[Ted Gossard]

Yeah. I need to be open always for God's voice. Even if I don't like how it comes, and what it brings. Thanks Jim.