Listen carefully to my words, let this be the consolation you give me.   Job 21:1-2

Listening should be easy. But it is not. At a minimum, listening means that we have to be quiet. We cannot listen when we are talking. Not talking is the hard part. There are many reasons for this. We prefer talking over listening because it gives us a sense of control. We can control the silences between words by choosing when to talk. Since silences of even a few seconds can cause our anxiety to increase, we fill the silence with words even when we really have nothing to say.

It is a remarkable experience to have someone really listen -- to have someone's undivided attention and interest. When someone listens, they communicate to us on a very deep level that we are valuable. Their listening breaks our isolation and aloneness. And it decreases the fears which come when our thoughts and feelings are confused. Talking out loud in the presence of a person who listens carefully allows us to gain clarity and perspective. Gradually, being listened to can begin to convince us that we are worth someone's attention and worth being loved.

When someone listens with respect and acceptance we are comforted and consoled. Our pain is soothed. Our burden is lightened.

Thank you, Lord, for those who listen to me.
And thank you for the people who
trust me enough to allow me to listen to them.
Give me the courage to talk honestly.
Give me the grace to listen well.
Amen.

Copyright Dale and Juanita Ryan
National Association for Christian Recovery

Has porn taken you down a path you can't talk about?  What about lust, envy, pride?  Do you find yourself wallowing in the mud?  

You WERE a prodigal eating old cobs of leftovers in the pigsty.  To restore your relationship with your Father, you had to get out of the mud and start walking home.  You didn't have to clean yourself up first, but you did have to make that first step.  On the road ahead, the Father would be waiting with a ring, a robe, shoes, and everything else an honored son is meant to have.  But, FIRST, you had to come to your senses and take your first step  toward home --toward purity--toward holiness--to being a REAL man--by making that covenant with your eyes.  "I made a covenant with myself to never undress a girl with my eyes"  Job 31:1

Before long you may have felt a new light and lightness in your soul.  Your sexual sin had brought a darkness so deep and smothering that when it vanished, the difference was so real you could practically touch it.  You are loved and approved by God.

Along with inner peace comes an outer peace that affects your daily life.  Now is the time, say a quick prayer asking for God's strength to leave your sin and your pigheadedness.  

BE HOLY
BE A MAN

adapted from Every Man's Battle