Open Communication

He kissed all his brothers and wept on them, and afterward his brothers talked with him. Genesis 45:15

Open communication is such a precious commodity. The more someone knows us and allows us to know them, the more precious that communication becomes. What are the factors that block communication? Unconfessed sin, hurt, distance, time, misunderstanding. Like a drain that is unclogged and water flows freely through, so is the blessing when things are made right, the lines of communication are restored, and words flow freely once again.

I cherish friendships. Phone conversations and emails are delights to me. I relish the opportunity to sit down face to face with a friend and catch up on each other’s day. All the more so when the conversation centers around Christ, the Bible, or Christian principles. It is a balm to my soul.

The day I learned that prayer is meant to be a dialogue instead of a monologue I turned a huge corner in my Christian life. I had always been taught that I speak to God in prayer and He speaks to me through His Word. I never imagined that during prayer He could flood my mind with His thoughts and words of encouragement.

Sometimes He asks me questions that require a searching of my heart. He wants me to go beyond the surface to see what is really troubling me. Sometimes He replaces my doubts and insecurities with reminders of His love for me. Sometimes it is direction He gives. Whatever the case, I love the communication. He is always available, always interested, always open. When I am struggling in my prayer life He will even show me what it is that has “clogged” the drain. He misses the exchanges and longs for the communication to resume.

Father, help me to desire talking to You and listening to You above every other relationship. Amen.