My friend hurt my feelings. She spread “her view” to several other friends. Her comments waltzed their way into my house and infuriated me. I was sure I had been fatally wounded. Falling to my knees, I wailed, “Speak to me from Your Word.”
I opened my Bible to the gospel of Mark: “But Jesus, not heeding the word spoken…” It was soul food. I knew I needed “holy deafness,” or I would become part of the problem, rather than part of the solution. I sat quietly and began to pray. Lord, give me holy deafness when hurtful words are said. Help me to continue to be about my Father’s business and not be shipwrecked because of cruel comments that have pierced my soul.
Help me to pray as You prayed, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Sometimes, Lord, those You have called me to serve sting, and I find it difficult to wash their feet; but, You, Master, washed Judas’ feet and called him, “friend.” You knew from the beginning what was in his heart. Yet, You humbled Yourself and ministered to him just hours before he betrayed You.
I openly admit, Lord, that my heart sometimes resists and screams, “I can see through them!” But, You, Lord, plead with me, “See them through.” My stubborn will hollers, “I’m not budging an inch.” But, You, Lord, entreat me, “When they ask you to go one mile, go with them two.”
I can go the second mile as long as You go with me, Lord. You make the bitter sweet. Lord, grant me holy deafness, so I can obey Your Word. I’m in earnest when I say I want to be like You. I place Your cup to my lips, Lord, and I drink. I realize it’s the only way our world will ever come to know You.
You, Savior, must live out Your life through Your children. Lord, give us holy deafness to the careless conversations with those we come in contact with, but give us keen hearing to Your Holy Spirit.
Memory Verse:
“Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.”
– Matthew 13:43 (NIV)
Prayer Prompt:
“Father, Lord, help me to not heed the harsh words that people can sometime say. Please show me how to have holy deafness. I want to keep my ears directed toward You, Father. Show me how to love those who hurt me, including…”
Contributing Writer:
Dixie Phillips
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