Running in place may help your heart, but it won’t get you from point A to point B spiritually.

^“You have seen many things, but you pay no attention;
your ears are open, but you do not listen.” Isaiah 42:20 NIV

Let’s face it. God has a lot to say to us. Keeping quiet would be like parents who never speak to their child.

God speaks often and clearly. He makes his plans known. He expresses extraordinary love and concern. His rebukes move us back onto the correct path. He warns of potential dangers before we are harmed. He speaks comfort to our troubled hearts.

He’s not a ‘motor mouth’ who blabbers to hear himself speak. He’s a Father wanting to convey his heart, intentions, love and guidance in all phases of our lives.

If communication fails between us, the problem is not with God.

We’re just not very good listeners!

We’re moving spiritually on the surface, but going nowhere. Kind of like working out on a treadmill where no matter how fast your legs are moving, in terms of geography, you’re not going anywhere. In the physical realm there is benefit from such a workout, but in the spiritual realm we go nowhere when we tune God out.

It would be good for us to consider some Scriptural reminders.

• In John 10:27 Jesus says his sheep know his voice and then follow him. Not only are ears open but listening is occurring.
• Jesus states in Revelation 3:20 that He stands at the door knocking and those who not only hear his voice but open the door get his companionship.
• James 1:22 implores us to not only be hearers of his word, but doers as well.
• Deuteronomy 28:2 tell of blessings overtaking us if we obey the voice of God. Obeying should follow hearing!
• The writer of Hebrews cautions (Hebrews 2:1) that we must pay close attention to what we hear lest we drift away (and simply turn the treadmill speed up a notch!)
• Finally, in his Sermon on the Mount Jesus promises that those who hear his words and then acts on them will build their life on a rock solid foundation. (Matthew 7:24-27)

This week stay on the treadmill at the gym, but get off the spiritual treadmill of hearing but not listening. Oh the places you’ll go when God has your ear and heart.

“O my people …if you would but listen to me!” Psalm 81:8 ESV