2 December | Youth
«Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.”» Hebrews 3:7-8
Human beings get used to things easily. They are able to get used to practically anything. Some say that 21 days is the time needed to “reprogram the mind,” and about 60 to 90 days for the behavior to become automatic. They also say that breaking an old habit is five times more difficult than creating a new one. Interesting, isn't it?
This can be illustrated with experiences linked to people's hearing sensitivity in different circumstances. Mrs Jadi and Mr Manuel received some friends at their home for one night, as they were traveling and passing by their city. Very hospitable, the couple tried hard to offer their best: a good dinner, comfortable rooms and a cozy atmosphere.
Early in the morning, the guests saw, through the living room window, a train passing at some distance. They were surprised: “Look, the train passes nearby!” Mrs Jadi then commented: “I hope you were able to sleep! It passes by four times during the night.” As incredible as it may seem, the guests had not even noticed! And why not? The thing is, in their town, there was a railway next to their house, and the train passed there even more often, both in the day and at night! They did not hear the noises because, due to force of habit, they were “shielded.”
It is not good to wake up at night by the noise of a train. However, in the case above, we realized that the couple were only even disturbed, because they were conditioned to worse noises than those they were exposed to in Mrs Jadi and Mr Manuel's house. In a sense, their ears were indifferent.
The Bible insists that we need to keep our ears and hearts open when it comes to the voice of God. You will only hear it if you do not get used to the distractions and routine sounds of the world. To be sensitive, you need to “desensitize” yourself of many other things. God can speak in the midst of thunder. He can express Himself loud and clear. But the normal thing is that only those who are attentive, interested and in the right tune (1 Kings 19:11-13) hear His voice. I hope this is your case. Make your ears available. Say to the Lord, “Speak, for your servant is listening!” (1 Sam 3:10). God has a lot to say to you. Are you listening?