Shut Up And Listen

DEVOTION
PROVERBS
SHUT UP AND LISTEN
Prov 10:8
8 The wise in heart accept commands,
but a chattering fool comes to ruin.
NIV
I have often said that I thought in God’s infinite wisdom he gave me two ears and only one mouth, which to me indicates he wants me to listen to him twice as much as I talk to him. I hear believers using prayer as a laundry list of needs rather than a time of listening for the still small voice of God. Sure I ask him for help and for the needs in my life, but I just don’t think he is supposed to be treated like a genie in a bottle, only taken out when a need is at hand. No I think the wise thing to do is to spend a lot more time with my mouth shut and just listening for what he has to say. I do seek him in those times when I am in trouble so to speak, but again as long as I am speaking he is not and just who is the wiser of the two? I think those repetitive prayers are nothing but chatter. I know there is scripture that tells me to be persistent in my prayers, but Jesus also said not to babble on like the pagans do. I truly believe if I have a need I can ask him and it is taken care of. But I know the greatest I need I have is to hear from God and the wisest thing I can do it pay attention and accept his commands. I know as long as I am doing what he tells me to do; I will be right where I am supposed to be. My advancement or retreat, in the sense of this world, has little to no consideration as compared to what God desires of me. I need to know what he wants of me, and as long as I am consistently asking for things in prayer I will never find out. It is in these times of quiet reflection that he speaks to my heart. Sure, I am not a perfect human being, sure I fail him, yes I still sin and struggle with temptations, I am human, even though I should not make that my excuse, but I also think he knows all about that and still has a plan for my life and desires me to listen and do whatever he commands. Sometimes I do wonder how he can use me when I am not perfect, not completely sin free, yet I know he does. One thing I know for sure is that I must simply shut up and listen.