Scripture
Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped; and they were utterly astonished, for they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their heart was hardened. Mark 8:51-52

Observation
Of all the things I need and cannot loose in the journey before me is a listening ear that hears what God is speaking. I know from relationship with my wife that I have selective hearing. I can hear her voice, but my mind, and sometimes my will, is elsewhere. When I later ask a question that was just answered, I get far more than an answer back from her.

If I am doing that to my wife, then how many times have I done the same to my Lord?

An ear that hears is one that has determined from love for Jesus to say yes to him before the question is asked. Because we have chosen to allow our heart to be softened by affection, we should naturally spring to respond yes to him.

I will be delivered my deafness by doing the opposite of what the disciples did that night in the boat. They were sailing away from a miracle and into a sunrise. The night passage could have been used to gaze through the starlight sparkling over the waves to think broad and bold thoughts with God. They could have remembered the events of the past 24 hours and have mulled them over in their spirits. They could have gained insight into the creative power of God to turn a small lunch into a feast for a crowd. The waves, instead of intimidating them, could have been mounted with a courage and anticipation like a surfer in the swell. The journey would have been very different had they only softened their hearts to the meaning of the day.

Application
I need to regularly stop and reflect on the goodness of the Lord at work around me. As I sat in my chair reflecting this morning, I felt the Holy Spirit speak to me, “Never, loose your listening ear.” It felt like more than just advice; it seemed like a warning, lest I miss out on the goodness of the Lord.

Prayer
Father, do not pass me by because I’m not listening. Open my ears to hear your voice. I want to know you and follow you with an open spirit, softened by affection of you. I can write these words now, but I know my tendency is to get into the flurry of work and miss you speaking. I choose this day to soften, ponder and reflect to hear the goodness of the Lord.