Being Heard and Being Loved

You probably remember when your parents tended to take an authoritative, "I know what is best" approach when you wanted or needed something. That is the situation Stacy Holland found himself in during a critical moment in his young life. He was six years old, and he was the next batter in a high-stakes T-ball game. Stacy told his Dad, “I need to go to the bathroom.” His father responded, “You can hold it.” Stacy pleaded, “No, I really need to go.” His Dad answered with a louder tone of finality when he said, “You can hold it. Now get up there and hit.”

Being the obedient son and team player, Stacy dutifully did as he was told, driving the ball into the outfield. He vividly recalls running the basepaths – and leaving a wet trail in the dust from home plate all the way around to third base!

When someone truly listens to another person, they send an incredibly powerful message that can build or deepen a connection with the speaker. By not being dismissive when someone expresses a thought or shares a need, the listener communicates, “You are important to me.” This principle applies whether you are listening to your spouse, a child, a neighbor, co-worker, or friend. Everyone needs another person who will truly listen to them. Sometimes we do well. And then...

One Christmas afternoon, the Pastor’s wife dropped into an easy chair saying, "Boy! Am I ever tired!" Her husband looked over at her and said, "I had to conduct two special services last night, three today, and give a total of five sermons. Why are you so tired?" "Dearest," she replied, "I had to listen to all of them."



Psalm 34:15 (NIV) tells us God never tires of intently listening to his children: “The Lord sees the good people and listens to their prayers.” The apostle John shares a most comforting thought when he says, “¹⁴ This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.¹⁵ And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” (1 John 5:14-15 NIV)

It is wonderful to know that whether we’re young or old, our heavenly Father takes a time out when He hears us call. Thank you for loving and listening to us, God.

Dr. Van Richmond

Senior Pastor

Scenic View Baptist Church