Free Download: She Hears Outline
We can’t possibly peruse our theme, She Rises, without discussing the subject of hearing God. There is a profound difference between hearing God, (whether through His spoken word or His written word), and listening to God. If we want to be women who rise to our potential, we must be women who not only hear what God is saying, but listen with an intention to respond to what He is saying.
Today on Come To The Table, Cherry and I talk about the difference between hearing and listening. We also shared tips for being an active listener and discussed the wonderful benefits of being such a listener. I hope you will pull your chair up to the table and join the discussion. But before you push play, let’s look at some Biblical definitions of “hear”.
In the Old Testament, the word hear is translated from the Hebrew word, Shema. It means to hear, listen to, obey. To hear intelligently (often with implications of attention, obedience, etc.
In the New Testament, the word hear is translated from the Greek word, Akouo. It means to hear, to attend to, consider what is being said. To understand, perceive the sense of what is said. To give ear to a teaching or a teacher.
These definitions from the original languages in which the Bible was written, clearly show us that hearing God includes much more than receiving sounds or words in our ears. It requires us to actively hear with an intention to respond. In the Bible, hearing and obeying are two sides of the same coin.
Oh what our lives might look like if we responded to everything God says with a trusting and obedient heart! I love the lyrics in the song, Spirit Lead Me, by Michael Ketterer and it is my prayer that we all would take this listening posture.
This is my worship, this is my offering
in every moment, I withhold nothing
I’m learning to trust You, even when I can’t see it
And even in suffering, I have to believe it
If you say, “It’s wrong,” then I’ll say, “No”
If you say “Release,” I’m letting go
If You’re in it with me, I’ll begin
And when You say to jump, I’m diving in
If You say, “Be still,” then I will wait
If You say to trust, I will obey
I don’t wanna follow my own ways
I’m done chasing feelings, Spirit lead me
O Spirit lead me
