In the prophetic scriptures I find many exhortations concerning the art of listening. One of the main complaints God has against his people is that they are not listening. This morning I read this exhortation to listen to God: "Listen and hear my voice; pay attention and hear what I say" (Isaiah 28:23). The Lord is saying that we need to listen carefully to hear his voice and pay attention to understand what he is saying. There is no point in ever hearing, but never understanding what God wants us to do. There is no point in ever seeing, but never perceiving what God's will is.

The Spirit of God can teach us the art of listening to his voice so that me may come to know God better. The Spirit of wisdom and revelation can open the ears of our heart that we may know his will. The art of listening is an art of the heart. It can only be learned in quietness and trust, when we turn from our own ways to rest in the grace of God as we walk in his ways. As we put into practice what we hear from God, and walk on his ways he will teach us the art of listening and obeying.
The art of listening is learned as we obey. The art of listening is developed as we remain quiet and trust him. Paying attention leads to understanding.Obeying brings new perception and new perspective.