“So then, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” – Romans 10:17
Awareness of Our Surroundings
As we go through life, it’s crucial for us to be aware of our surroundings. The sights we see and the sounds we hear can deeply influence our thoughts and emotions. The Bible encourages us to keep our eyes and ears open because they can lead us toward wisdom and understanding. By being mindful of what surrounds us, we are not just passively observing but actively engaging with the world God has created. Whether we are in nature, among friends, or listening to worship music, every experience can foster a closer connection to our Creator. It’s a gentle reminder that we should be discerning about what we allow into our lives through our senses.
Proverbs 20:12
“Ears that hear and eyes that see—the Lord has made them both.” – Proverbs 20:12
Psalm 66:5
“Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind!” – Psalm 66:5
Ecclesiastes 1:8
“All things are wearisome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing.” – Ecclesiastes 1:8
1 John 1:1
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.” – 1 John 1:1
Isaiah 43:8
“Lead out those who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf.” – Isaiah 43:8
Listening to God
Being attentive to what God is communicating is one of the most essential aspects of our faith. Through prayer and meditation, we hear His voice guiding us in our decisions and daily lives. The Bible instructs us to listen carefully, emphasizing that faith and knowledge grow from what we hear. By focusing on God’s word, we become more attuned to His will for us. It’s vital for us to treat our spiritual senses like muscles; the more we exercise them, the stronger they become in discerning God’s messages.
James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19
John 10:27
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” – John 10:27
Matthew 11:15
“Whoever has ears, let them hear.” – Matthew 11:15
Revelation 2:7
“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” – Revelation 2:7
Proverbs 1:33
“But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without harm.” – Proverbs 1:33
Seeing God’s Creation
Our surroundings are a reflection of God’s majesty. When we take the time to look at nature—whether it is a beautiful sunset, lush trees, or the vastness of the ocean—we are witnessing God’s incredible artistry firsthand. The Bible encourages us to appreciate creation with our eyes and acknowledge the Creator behind it. By observing nature, we can see the love and care God has poured into the world. Recognizing His work can strengthen our faith and inspire us to appreciate the beauty around us.
Genesis 1:31
“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” – Genesis 1:31
Psalm 19:1
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” – Psalm 19:1
Job 12:7-9
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you.” – Job 12:7-9
Psalm 104:24
“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom, you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” – Psalm 104:24
Matthew 6:28-29
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.” – Matthew 6:28-29
The Power of What We Hear
What we expose ourselves to through our listening plays a significant role in shaping our attitudes and beliefs. The Bible reminds us that we should focus on listening to uplifting words that bring us closer to God. The messages we accept can either build us up or bring us down. Hence, we should be selective about the voices we listen to, choosing those that promote love, faith, and encouragement. By doing this, we cultivate a more peaceful and positive mindset.
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8
Colossians 3:16
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” – Colossians 3:16
Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29
Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21
Romans 10:15
“And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'” – Romans 10:15
Speaking What We See and Hear
We have a responsibility to share what we experience and learn through our senses. The Bible encourages us to speak the truth and testify about God’s goodness. When we share our insights, we encourage others to see and hear God’s work in their own lives. Our testimonies can be powerful reminders of faith and hope, attributes we should share with others in our community. By voicing what God has done for us, we spread light and love wherever we go.
Psalm 66:16
“Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.” – Psalm 66:16
Mark 5:19
“Jesus did not let him, but said, ‘Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.'” – Mark 5:19
1 Peter 3:15
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” – 1 Peter 3:15
Revelation 12:11
“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” – Revelation 12:11
Luke 8:39
“Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” – Luke 8:39
Practicing Discernment
As we see and hear many things in life, we must practice discernment. Not everything we observe or hear is beneficial for our spiritual growth. The Bible guides us to be wise and cautious about what we let into our hearts and minds. By staying grounded in scripture, we train ourselves to discern truth from falsehood, focusing on what aligns with God’s will. This practice helps us grow in wisdom and makes us more effective followers of Christ.
1 John 4:1
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” – 1 John 4:1
Philippians 1:9-10
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best.” – Philippians 1:9-10
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2
Proverbs 15:14
“The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.” – Proverbs 15:14
Psalm 119:66
“Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands.” – Psalm 119:66
Final Thoughts
As we explore the topic of what we see and hear, we recognize the importance of being attentive to our surroundings. Our eyes and ears are gifts from God that can enhance our faith and guide us in our spiritual journey. We should strive to listen to God’s voice and see the beauty in His creation. By choosing wisely what we hear and see, we can foster a deeper connection with God, share His love with others, and grow in wisdom.
It’s crucial for us to discern what we allow into our hearts. By filling ourselves with uplifting and truthful messages, we become better equipped to shine God’s light in the world. Sharing our testimonies is part of answering God’s call for us, encouraging others on their paths, and inspiring hope.
If you’re interested in exploring more, I encourage you to read about John’s message of love and truth or discover how to overcome false teachings. Let’s continue to enhance our spiritual knowledge and deepen our understanding of God’s word together.