It's Worse Than I Thought....

"Getting old isn't for sissies." I was once told that by a client in need of an oxygen concentrator and a walker. That was over 20 years ago, but a statement that has become close and personal to me lately. I could do nothing but nod my head in agreement that day in Clearfield.

The last time I shared a post here, I mentioned a compliment I had been given from a young man. I was enamored that he thought I looked like Enos from the TV show the Dukes of Hazzard. Well as it turns out, I misheard him. I saw him again recently and he said with more volume, "Oh, Roscoe, you're back!"

Hearing is a wonderful thing when it works well. Take for instance the other day while I was out on a hike. I was traversely slowly scanning the path for critters, specifically venomous snakes. My hearing is impeded with an eternal ringing in my left ear and this constant pitched noise makes it difficult to hear specific frequencies of sound. As I paused to look left then right, I noticed a slight disturbance in front of me then heard the soft buzz of a Timber Rattler.

About 8 feet in front of me resting just off the edge of the trail was the little beauty in the video. He/she (didn't pick it up to check its gender) wasn't too happy I was there and that close. I would not normally approach these creatures this close aside from not hearing them quicker. This encounter got me to thinking about my hearing and how easy it is to take for granted the gift of it. What of those who have zero hearing? How do they function?

From a spiritual perspective, I have been wrestling with passages of scripture that speak of "those who have ears to here, let them hear." or again, "those who have ears but never hear..." and wonder what happens when one chooses not to listen to the Lord. Is it possible to stop one's ears from hearing the "still small voice" of God and ignore sound counsel from the Almighty? Is it possible for hearing impediments to keep us from responding to God and or worse still walking into dire situations simply because of the din ringing in our ears from other sources?

The Psalmist must have had ringing in the ears as well since the following scripture belies an uneasiness of being deaf to the Lord's voice and guidance.

"I am like the deaf, who cannot hear, like the mute, who cannot speak; I have become like one who does not hear, whose mouth can offer no reply. Lord, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God. For I said, “Do not let them gloat or exalt themselves over me when my feet slip.” For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me. I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin. Many have become my enemies without cause; those who hate me without reason are numerous. Those who repay my good with evil lodge accusations against me, though I seek only to do what is good. Lord, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God. Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior." (Psalm 38:13-22, NIV)

The writer of Psalm 38 continues to ponder if maybe, just maybe, their sin has been the impediment that has caused dissonance within their ears (aka soul). In a moment of clarity, the psalmist declares a confession and repentant heart toward the Lord and begins to once again seek and desire to listen intently.

Maybe you have some hearing loss either literally or figuratively (spiritual deafness) and need to find healing. Soooo, when do you want to go hiking in the mountains with me?? Just kidding! I am available to help you and me discover new ways to listen intently to that "still small voice" of God and find new meaningful restoration of our relationship with God.

"A Musing Pastor"