Saturday, December 3 The thoughts of a man’s heart are like deep waters, but the discerning man draws them out.​—Prov. 20:5.

[Áine]

Saturday, December 3

The thoughts of a man’s heart are like deep waters, but the discerning man draws them out.—Prov. 20:5.

 

To listen attentively to others, we need to be humble and patient. It is worth the effort for at least three reasons. First, we will be less likely to jump to wrong conclusions about people. Second, we can discern feelings and motives in our brother, and that will help us to be more empathetic. And third, we may help the person to learn something about himself. Sometimes we do not really understand even our own emotions until we express those emotions in words. Some of our brothers and sisters find it difficult to talk about their feelings because of their background, culture, or personality. It may take time for them to feel comfortable speaking to us, but only when they do will we be able to discern their true feelings. If we imitate Jehovah by being patient, we can earn their confidence. Then, when they are ready to share their feelings, we should listen attentively. w20.0415-16 ¶6-7

 

[just1-4all]

16 hours ago, Anniebea said:

If we imitate Jehovah by being patient, we can earn their confidence.

The idea of deep waters as expressed and used in the Bible has always intrigued me. In this context, I think of the universal truth that feelings run deeper than thoughts. And feelings are a challenge to put into words sometimes (oftentimes for some). And the truth, as God's creation and being made in his image, that the feelings that we all experience in common—in the most "inner rooms"; the deepest most intimate parts of ourselves—is where is found the one place where a "personal witness", understood only by our individual inner selves and Jehovah God, resides. In line with all that I think of Matthew 6:21 'Where one's heart is, there his treasure also resides' (paraphrasing)

What a precious gift to us is found in being invited to understand (or getting on the road begin to) Jehovah God's very thoughts. 

 

That is why I really enjoyed the drama about Jonah's experience as a prophet. What a beautiful illustration of the depth of Jehovah's love for all humankind. Coming to the point of near death for turning his back on Jehovah's assignment to prophesy against the Assyrians, yet from a figurative grave, Jonah still spoke in desperate prayer to Jehovah for forgiveness. And Jehovah heard from the heavens, mercifully giving Jonah a second chance to fulfill his assignment as a prophet. More than words can explain that there just touches my heart in a wonderful way about Jehovah mercy.