Real Hope: The Art of ListeningSample

Birdsong And Power Walkers

Every spring, just before dawn, when misty air vortices form behind morning power walkers, I hear them. They seem separated by a few kilometres, one to my left, and another far to my right. I’m uncertain of the bird species as my phone app isn’t sensitive enough to recognise their distant calls. They start their syncopated serenade back and forth just before dawn and finish an hour or two after. 

The paired-off power walkers below my balcony miss out on this choral dance as they walk, talk, and pant down my street. The for those who thunder down the bitumen bleeding dull thuds from their headphones and earbuds.  

In Psalm 143:8, David paints a serene picture. The still silence of the dawn. In the morning chill, David prepares all of his senses to listen for God to whisper His love. David is actively listening. Instead of stomping through his day assuming God will bellow something down from the heavens if it’s important – he is looking up into the pre-dawn light and anticipating His master’s voice to rise with the sun. He’s expecting to hear God’s voice. David is not doing the talking. He’s waiting for revelation. ‘Show me…’ he whispers. He’s not declaring God’s options and seeking some kind of celestial sign-off. David is looking for answers and waiting for them.  

Active listening, deep listening is a full-contact sport. It involves all our senses. How do you listen? Panting and power walking through your day or sitting on the balcony listening to the sunrise – and the birds. 

written by DWAYNE JEFFRIES