You Didn't Listen

You Didn’t Listen

“And I said to you, ‘I am GOD, your God. Do not be afraid of the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell.’ But you did not listen to Me.” (Judg. 6:10)

Listening is becoming a rare discipline. Many hear words, but few truly listen—few pause long enough to understand, to receive, to obey. Ours is a noisy age, filled with voices competing for attention, and in the midst of it all, the still, steady voice of God is often ignored.

This was not just our problem—it was Israel’s struggle too. God reminded them of who He was: “I am your God.” He assured them they had no reason to fear the gods around them. Yet they failed to listen. And because they did not listen, they drifted—entangled themselves with the very influences God warned them against. The result was oppression and hardship.

God still speaks today—not always audibly, but clearly—through His Word, through His Spirit, through quiet convictions in our hearts. But the question remains: are we truly listening?

To listen is more than to hear. It is to receive, to internalize, and to act. It is alignment of the heart with God’s instruction. If Abraham had not listened attentively, he might have missed God’s provision and gone through with sacrificing Isaac, unaware of the ram caught in the thicket.

“Listen for GOD’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the One who will keep you on track.” (Prov. 3:6)

Reflection
Where has God been speaking to you that you may have ignored or postponed? Sometimes the consequences we face are not because God is silent, but because we have not been attentive. Cultivating the habit of listening—truly listening—can redirect our paths, spare us unnecessary pain, and align us with God’s perfect will. Slow down. Be still. Pay attention.

Prayer
Lord, help me to listen. Quiet every distraction within me and around me that competes with Your voice. Give me a heart that is sensitive, attentive, and willing to obey. Teach me not just to hear, but to understand and act on Your Word. Where I have ignored You, have mercy and redirect me. Lead me in Your truth, and keep me on the path You have prepared for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have a fruitful day,
(Dr.) Emmanuel Okoro
(aka Dr. Lift)

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