Some days, it isn’t our ears that struggle—it’s our attention. We’re surrounded by noise, opinions, and worry, and our hearts can quietly stop listening to God’s voice.
The Word
In 1 Kings, the kingdom is torn apart—a painful picture of what happens when loyalty to the Lord is divided. Psalm 81 is God’s loving plea: “Hear my voice.” In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus draws close to a man who cannot hear or speak well, and with tender care He says, “Be opened.”
Reflection
God does not speak to shame us—He speaks to lead us back to life. The psalm shows the tragedy of a closed heart: we follow our own counsels and end up wandering. Yet God’s desire is mercy: “If only my people would hear me.” The Lord longs to guide, protect, and restore.
Notice how Jesus heals. He takes the man aside, away from the crowd. Love is not rushed. Jesus meets him personally, touches what is wounded, lifts His eyes to heaven, and speaks a freeing word: Ephphatha—Be opened. That is still Christ’s invitation today: open your heart again to God, and let Him loosen what has been bound inside you.
When the Lord opens our ears, He also shapes our speech. The man “spoke plainly.” A heart that listens to God begins to speak with gentleness, honesty, and hope. Ask Him to open you—not only to hear His direction, but also to speak words that heal rather than harm.
Call to Action
Take five quiet minutes today. Pray slowly, “Lord, open my heart.” Then read the psalm response once: “I am the Lord, your God: hear my voice.” Listen for one small step of obedience—and take it.
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
You who said, “Be opened,” speak that word over my heart today.
Open my ears to hear Your voice above every distraction.
Soften what has grown hard in me, and guide my steps in Your ways.
Loosen my tongue to speak with kindness, truth, and courage.
Make my life a witness that You do all things well.
Amen.
