God, I Feel SadSample

God Loves to Listen

Have you ever been talking to someone and felt as if they weren’t really listening? It’s both a frustrating and hurtful experience. Especially when you’re feeling the big emotions and most need a listening ear.

Yet, how often do we unintentionally do just that to the littles in our lives? We hurry them through their questions, their troubles, and even their emotions to get to the solution so that we can get back to what we believe “needs” to be done. We half-listen as they share, chiming in with the occasional Mmhmm or Really?— communicating so much more than we realize. Like that what they’re thinking, feeling, and saying isn’t really all that important.

So let’s take a lesson in listening from God our Father. He’s got a whole universe to run, a few billion people to keep track of, evil to thwart, and prayers to answer. And yet—don’t miss this!—when we pause to lift up our thoughts, feelings, and concerns to Him, what does the Lord of All Creation do? He “bends down to listen.” To us.

Take a deep breath and let that soak in for a minute. How does that make you feel? Seen? Heard? That you matter to Him? Let’s give that same gift of listening to the littles (and the bigs) in our lives.

For Little Ones:

You can talk to God. Yes, you can talk to the God who made trees and butterflies and snuggly kittens and you! You don’t have to use big, fancy words—just talk to Him like a friend. Say your words out loud or silently in your heart. God will hear you either way.

God wants to hear about everything—what you’re thinking, what you’re feeling, and what’s happening in your day. And here’s the best part, whenever you start talking to God, He bends down to listen. So that He can hear each and every word.

In moments of sadness:

• When your little wants to talk about their feelings, do these three things: (1) stop what you’re doing, (2) bend down to their level, and (3) “listen” with your eyes as well as your ears. Be fully present in that moment.
• Allow time for your child to find and use their words. (Or to draw them out in a picture.) Don’t rush to fix everything. Instead, try saying, “Tell me more” or “Is there anything else you’d like to share?” Then thank them for trusting you with their feelings.
• Encourage your children to talk to God by modeling simple prayers like this one: God, I feel _____ today because _____. Please help me to ____. Thank You for loving me and for listening. In Jesus’ name, amen.