Ancient Words

I went for my two-week check-up with the audiologist to assess how I’m handling my new hearing aids. Possibly, if you’ve never had experience with hearing devices or know someone who has, you may find it strange that getting hearing aids for the first time requires such a follow-up visit. Apparently learning to hear again is not as simple as flipping a switch.

I learned yesterday that my prescription is not for 100% restored hearing….yet. My brain has to “work up to it,” as it were. Isn’t that fascinating?! My hearing loss was gradual over the course of a couple of decades, and my brain has forgotten how to filter “noise.” I can’t now, suddenly hearing more sounds, make insignificant noise, like paper rustling behind me, less sharp than the voice of the person who is standing in front of me. I can hear better, but I have to work harder to pay attention because I’m “deciding” not to be distracted by everything else I’m hearing.

If you’ve been following me on this blog for very long, you know that I’m going to draw a spiritual lesson from this. In John 10:27, Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (NASB) Do you hear the voice of the Lord? Is it hard to pay attention to Him because of the noise in the world around you? One way to strengthen your “attention muscle” is to spend regular time in the Word of God.

In 2 Timothy 3:18-17, the apostle Paul is exhorting young Timothy. He says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” Not only is the Word of God our guide to living, the person of Christ is Himself the Word made flesh (John 1:1-5), and when we feast on the Word, we are partaking of His very life that changes us, day by day, into His image. If we hear Him, and if we see Him as He really is, we will be adequate and fully equipped to obey Him in every good work.

My journey to more fully restored physical hearing may take awhile, but over time, if I persevere in wearing my prescribed hearing aids, my brain will adjust. And as it does, the audiologists working with me will gradually increase my receptors until I’m at the highest possible capacity to hear clearly and distinctly with the least amount of distraction by noise. I have to do my part and be willing to give my brain every opportunity to relearn and reestablish its ability to filter.

As I continue to hear the voice of my Savior and learn of Him, He has promised to give me everything I need for life and godliness, and to enable me through the Word of His power to be a faithful witness of His grace, His mercy, and His love. As Mary, His young mother, said, “Be it unto me, according to Thy word.” This is my prayer, too.

This has long been a favorite song of mine, and this particular video is especially encouraging because of the additional Scriptures shown at the beginning and the end. I trust you will let the Word of God speak to you as you listen.

Until next week, fellow so-journer, come to the Word of God with an open heart and hear Him speak to you as a teacher and a friend.