Listen.

Everyone wants to be heard. It's a natural and God-given need. At the core of our being, we want to feel listened to. We want to feel and know that the words we say are being appreciated and valued. If not, we get discouraged in life and disappointed in our fellow human beings.

The 21st century, I believe, is full of people striving to be heard. With the rise of social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, people not only want to be heard but seen. There are more and more ways to be heard and seen than ever because of the rise of social media, however, I would argue that this is also hurting our generation's ability to be heard. With so many tweets and posts that badger us all day long, how are we to know what to read and admire? How do we sift through all of the online messages and moments without overlooking those that truly matter? People's need to be heard translates to what they post. Girls post pictures in order to attract attention that they so desperately need to feel valued. Others post witty remarks or smart comments in order to fit into a certain class of people. Does this constant reading and seeing other peoples opinions and needs affect our ability to really hear what they're saying? I would say yes.

With our generations need to be heard, there's also hope. Jesus is the perfect listener. Honestly. He is. Not only does He already hear everything you're thinking and saying, He understands. Completely. My need to be heard is often fulfilled by Jesus listening. Without Him, well, let's just say I would be much more insecure and frustrated than I already am. And we wouldn't want that. Believe me.

Jesus can fulfill girls needs to be listened to and cherished. He can fulfill your identity because He is the one who created it.

There are times when I need to vent. And I know that my fellow human beings won't be enough. They won't leave me satisfied after I pour out my feelings. It isn't their fault. I know that they can't fully understand because they're not me and aren't going through what I am at this specific time. However, when I vent to God, I'm left with satisfaction...fulfillment...even joy. He understands because He's been with me my entire life...listening in. I can trust that He fully understands me and what I'm going through. Jesus is my stress reliever. He's my joy sustainer. He's my all in all.

With that, we also have a "duty" to try and listen to others. To hear their hearts. Although we may not know their life story or where they're coming from, we can still let them pour out their hurts in order to give them a glimpse of the healing that Jesus can provide.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31.6

"Come and hear, all you who fear God;
    let me tell you what he has done for me.
 I cried out to him with my mouth;
    his praise was on my tongue.
If I had cherished sin in my heart,
    the Lord would not have listened;
but God has surely listened
    and has heard my prayer.
Praise be to God,
    who has not rejected my prayer
    or withheld his love from me!"
Psalm 66:16-20