Hearing Aids

I have worn hearing aids for decades. I am at the point now that I can’t hear a lot of what is said to me or around me. I try all the tricks to hear better, but still don’t hear enough, even though most of the time, I really want to hear what is said. The speaker and I have to be in the right position and make the extra effort for me to hear.

I Samuel 3:10 says, “and the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant hears.'” In order to hear what the Lord wants to speak to us, we must be listening for His voice. This was the fourth time that God called out to Samuel in one night, but only the first time that Samuel really listened for God to speak. Finally, Samuel knew that it was God speaking to him and had something God wanted him to do.

Giving Honor Versus Despising

As children, when we did what our parents asked, we honored them. When we didn’t do what they requested, we despised them to go our own way. As part of the workforce, when we do what the company requires and needs, we honor the company. When we don’t fulfill the requirements and needs, we acting in a way that despises the company.

I Samuel 2:30 says, “for those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed.” With each decision we make and every action we take, we make a choice whether to honor God or to despise Him. When we follow Him and are transformed into His image, we honor Him. When we go our own way, we are acting in a way that despises Him.

Power of Hope

Most of the time we trivialize hope. We hope that it won’t rain. We hope that our car will not break down. We hope that our friend will not frustrate us today. All these hopes are good, but far less than what real hope can deliver to us.

Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Hope is defined as “to cherish with anticipation and expectation of obtainment or fulfillment.” (Merriam-Webster) As believers in Jesus Christ we have hope in each day and for eternity. The Holy Spirit within us assures us of this hope that fills us with joy and peace.

Good Spirit

When we walk uphill, we instantly become aware of the increased effort required to move forward. When we walk downhill, we feel the pressure of the pounding on our knees and feet. When we walk on a rocky path, we are careful to secure our steps so that we don’t twist an ankle. Walking on a smooth level path minimizes the difficulty of moving ahead and reduces the dangers of missteps.

Psalm 143:10 says, “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!” Walking on level ground is much easier than walking uphill, downhill, or on an uneven surface. Living according to God’s will and led by His Spirit is like moving forward on life’s level ground.

Numerous Thoughts

I have noticed that my thoughts inevitably influence my actions. If I have negative thoughts, I become discouraged and react negatively to my circumstances. If, however, I have positive thoughts, then my reactions and actions become positive, as well. Our thoughts can also overwhelm us. We can have so many thoughts going through our minds that we are frozen, unable to move or act. God is not so limited as we are. His thoughts are far more numerous than we can count. Still, He is always thinking of each of us. That fact, encourages my soul and gives me strength to move forward.

Psalm 139:17-18 says, “How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.” The knowledge and wisdom of God will take us a lifetime and eternity just to know a small portion of what there is to know about God. His thoughts about each of us personally are too numerous for us to know. For now, it is good and encouraging to know that He is still with us and will never leave us.