“They did not listen to Moses on account of despondency and cruel bondage.” Exodus 6:9
Moses was a spokesperson for God in the Old Testament. The Children of Israel did not listen to Moses because of their struggle and suffering. They were stressed out.
Just a few days before, “the people believed: . . . they heard that the Lord had visited . . . and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.” Exodus 4:31
How could a few days have changed their worship to deafness?
BACKSTORY: The Children of Israel had cried to the Lord because of their hard labor. They were in distress. They needed help. God answered their prayers by calling Moses to deliver them. They heard that deliverance was just about to happen. They bowed and worshipped the Lord because He had answered their prayers. Then they stopped listening.
Why did they “not listen”? Their anguish of spirit (despondency), and cruel bondage had deafened their ears. They no longer heard the voice of God’s deliverance through Moses. They were too busy trying to “make it” and “stay alive”.
The Pharaoh had taken away their straw, kept their quota of output the same, and instituted severe beatings when they “couldn’t keep up”. Instead of this making them listen more to the one who could deliver them, it made them “not listen” at all.
Are you having trouble hearing the Lord? Does the voice of God seem very distant to you? Are you stressed out? Are you struggling in your attempt to “make it” and “stay alive”? Do the circumstances of your life take all your energy and cause a spirit of despondency within you? Does your stress close your ears to God?
Your inability to listen does not prevent God’s willingness to deliver nor His plan of deliverance. The very next verse says, “And the Lord spoke . . .” moving forward with His plan of deliverance for the people.
Why are you not hearing God? It could be because you are stressed out. It could be because you are trying to “make it” and “stay alive”. You may have heard God’s plan of deliverance and His plan for victory in your life. You may have bowed your head and worshipped, agreeing with God for His help. Now you find yourself deaf to God. Unable to listen.
God had shown the way of escape but because of the struggle and servitude, the people no longer had interest in deliverance. They were just trying to survive this moment. Are you there?
I want to encourage you, friend, if you find yourself in this situation, Hear The Word Of The LORD. He is still speaking. He hasn’t thrown in the towel on His plan of deliverance in your life. Your stress and hardships are difficult and distracting, but don’t let them deafen you.
He is still speaking. His plan of deliverance for you is still on His Agenda. Don’t let the stress and struggle of your life cause you to be deaf and despondent to the best rescue plan.
The solution to deafness is hearing. The solution to distraction is focus. The reason you are not hearing God is probably because you are distracted like the Children of Israel. They got deaf when they got distracted.
Here are some practical ways to avoid deafness caused by distraction and to hear the Word of the Lord:
- Read the Bible (Hear God) at a time when you are least subject to interruption. Silence the cell phone, block the emails from popping up in your view, and put a “do not disturb” sign up.
- If “to do” things come to your mind during this time, have a notepad handy. Write the item down to handle when you finish “hearing God”.
- Set a regular time and space to “hear God” as often as possible. Have it prepared with Bible and other necessary study aids like a pen, journal, and “reading plan“.
You do not have to live in deafness.
You can live Hearing God and His plan of deliverance.
Written By: Anne Gurley