When its Difficult to Hear

He who has ears, let him hear

Matthew 13:9

Sometimes it’s most difficult to hear the things we really need to hear. Truths we need to hear from God’s word, family, and friends are the hardest. However, if we don’t listen to the hard truths, we may find ourselves on a road destined for pain and destruction. What are the five steps of hearing truth when we don’t want to hear it?

Truth #1) Acknowledge our sins or weaknesses.
“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13)
Sin darkens our eyes to the truth. Our unwillingness to see our sin and deal with it keeps us from moving forward to a better life of peace and stability.

Truth #2) Hear the truth.
“Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge.” (Proverbs 22:17)
Our spiritual earwax can build up with the busyness and distractions of our culture. Everything is vying for our attention; however, the Spirit of truth will lead us in the right direction.

Truth #3) Understand and apply truth.
“Making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding.” (Proverbs 2:2)
Spending regular time reading, memorizing, and applying God’s word to our lives will always lead us to application. It’s the hearing and the doing of what is right that helps us to spiritual maturity.

Truth #4) Turn away from doing wrong.
“If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.” (Proverbs 1:23)
Truth requires action. When we repent, we’ve made up our mind to live out the truth we know. Repenting is proof that we are living more for Jesus Christ than for ourselves.

Truth #5) Receive God’s healing.
A man’s spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? (Proverbs 18:14)
Physical medicine helps our bodies, but the only cure for a broken spirit is God. He heals our hurts and pain thoroughly.