LISTEN TO ME!!

“Listen to me”.   Words so easily missed when I skim through Bible passages or quickly glance at verses to finish another chapter.    But those words. . . ”Listen to me”. . . mean just that.  Pause.  Take a moment to concentrate.  Focus on the words and the instruction.  Let them go deep.  Be willing to respond in thought, course correction, or action.  Trust that the words are coming from a heart of love for me.

By: Sue Duby
January 2022

Three words strung together hold a very important place in our home.  A “code phrase” just for my husband and I.  Spoken only by Chuck.  Requiring immediate attention and obedience by me.  

“Listen to me!”.
Harsh sounding, right?  But the historical context frames a different picture indeed.  

Chuck’s full name means “warrior, protector,” and believe me, he’s gifted in that way.  Always aware of his surroundings.  On alert for sounds, actions, and scenes that sniff of any kind of danger.  First to notice a car barreling down the road on our walks.  This patient man just happens to be married to one who can daydream with the best of them, forget to look both ways crossing a street, and miss most cues that would cry out “be careful”.   In many past moments, when Chuck’s tried to quietly draw me to “alert mode”, I’d fire endless curious questions his way (Why?  What’s going on? What do you see?  Where?).  Let’s just say, I keep him busy in his gifting!

Chuck soon realized he needed a clear code that said, “This is serious.   Please trust me and just do what I say.  No questions.”   Only to be used in the most extreme situations.  Mutually agreed upon and understood.   One day on a California vacation, lounging by the hotel pool, I finally got the message. 

We noticed two policemen enter a room, just outside the pool gate.  Two more followed.   Then, one exited, hauling a mattress and bedding.  More staff arrived.  After a few minutes of harmless curiosity, Chuck’s smile disappeared and he quietly instructed me. . .”If I say ‘ Listen to me’, drop to the ground and roll under your chair”.  Wide-eyed, I swallowed my questions and nodded.    We watched and waited.   After 15 minutes, the crowd exited the room and we exhaled.  Later, we discovered there had been a drug bust just minutes before we arrived.   One man was shot and killed.  

Chuck’s words meant “I am trying to protect you. Please listen to my heart and my way of doing so.  It’s out of love for you, not to control you”.   I often reflect on that afternoon by the pool and smile with a fresh, grateful understanding.  From that afternoon forward,  I committed to obeying all “Listen to me” moments.

I’m struck by how many times God says the same thing… “Listen to me”.   Words so easily missed when I skim through Bible passages or quickly glance at verses to finish another chapter.    But those words. . . ”Listen to me”. . . mean just that.  Pause.  Take a moment to concentrate.  Focus on the words and the instruction.  Let them go deep.  Be willing to respond in thought, course correction, or action.  Trust that the words are coming from a heart of love for me.

“O that my people would once and for all listen to me
    and walk faithfully in my footsteps, following my ways.
Then and only then will I conquer your every foe
    and tell every one of them, ‘You must go!’ . . .
But I will feed you with my spiritual bread.
    You will feast and be satisfied with me,
    feeding on my revelation-truth like honey
    dripping from the cliffs of the high place.”   Psalm 81:13,14,16   TPT

If He’s asking me to listen, He has words of instruction and guidance.  My job?  To pay attention, follow (“faithfully” in an ongoing way), and know that He will carry the load and “satisfy” me (fill me with “enough”).  Sometimes it’s a simple nudge that says “don’t go there” or “do go here”… all from His care and affection.

“So Boaz said to Ruth, “My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me.” Ruth 2:8   NIV

Boaz’s heart was for Ruth. . .in protection, provision, and care.  His “Listen to me” came with clear instruction for her very best.   Understanding the circumstances, seeing the big picture, and with knowledge of her needs.   Just like God in his love for us.

“But the one who always listens to me
    will live undisturbed in a heavenly peace.
    Free from fear, confident and courageous,
    that one will rest unafraid and sheltered from the storms of life.” Proverbs 1:33   TPT

There is a need for ongoing listening. . . choosing to be “one who always listens”, rather than selectively picking the instructions I like!   Who doesn’t long to be “free from fear, confident and courageous”. . . and able to rest peacefully?  For that, I’ll gladly tune up my hearing to full volume, waiting for His instruction.

“Listen to Me,” [says the Lord], “O house of Jacob,
And all the remnant of the house of Israel,
You who have been carried by Me from your birth
And have been carried [in My arms] from the womb,
Even to your old age I am He,
And even to your advanced old age I will carry you!
I have made you, and I will carry you;
Be assured I will carry you and I will save you.” Isaiah 46:3,4   AMP

Remembering this makes it easy to want to listen.  Knowing that His hand of care, protection, and presence has been with me since conception and will continue for all my days on earth.  Great promise.  Great comfort.  “Be assured I will. . .”     With such certainty, how can I not long to listen to every word He speaks?

May I continue to learn how to listen to Him well. . . and follow the words I hear.  Knowing I’m loved beyond my wildest imagination.
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Sue Duby grew up on an island just minutes from downtown Seattle. From there, she ventured to California for college, teaching high school math and meeting husband Chuck.  In 1989, Sue and Chuck entered full time ministry.  17 years with Mercy Ships took them to Europe, Africa and the Caribbean.  In 2006, they began 13 years with Hope Force International, serving those affected by natural disasters both in the U.S. and internationally.  Sue loves continued adventures with Chuck (44 years), deep friendships with children Krista, Peter, and their spouses, hugs from 5 grandchildren, flower arranging, and coffee shops.

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