For Those Who Will Listen

The earth has music for those who will listen.

This beautiful quote is often attributed to Shakespeare, however, it does not appear in any of his known writings. A similar phrase is found in the poem, “The Magic of Sound”, written by largely unknown poet, Reginald Holmes, in 1955. No matter the author, I am absolutely captivated by the phrase.

As a musician, I tend to hear amazing sounds everywhere. I enjoy music of all kinds but often find virtual symphonies in the sound of the ocean pounding the rocks and sand of the beach, in a breeze as it moves each leaf of a majestic tree with a gentle caress, or booming explosions of sound as I stand in the shadow of a great, granite mountain. A work of art by one of the masters sings to me as I view the intricate layers of paint that bring a scene to life like no photograph can ever do. It’s all available for me to enjoy if I will simply pay attention and listen.

God’s Word is much the same way. The words convey the greatness and holiness of our mighty God. They tell us how Jesus fulfilled the scriptures and how the Holy Spirit ministers to us. The Bible is more than laws and stories of God’s people. It is the living Word of God. When we read, study, and apply God’s Word to our lives we are changed from the inside out. Our thoughts are different, our motives are different, our lives are different. His Word transforms our sinner’s heart into a heart that thirsts after righteousness. The Word of God has life for those who will listen.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)