I got the strangest advertisement in the mail last week.

“Come experience unconditional listening at our Experiential Art and Listening Center”.

What in the world is a “listening center”?  And why would I pay someone $30 for a session of “unconditional listening”?  My search to find out what it was and who would use it wasn’t too successful.  Must be some kind of new concept. 

The ad didn’t say that they offer any kind of advice or counseling.  They just listen.  But how frustrating would that be?  To open my wallet, pour out my soul to a stranger and get nothing but a smile in return? Would I walk out of there feeling any different than when I walked in?

Therefore I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; My God will hear me.  Micah 7:7

God listens.  To me.  No matter what I have to say, no matter how I say it, no matter where I say it, my God will hear me. 

I don’t have to make an appointment.  I don’t have to pay $30.  I can talk to Him anytime, anywhere and in any situation and know that He is listening.  And He doesn’t just listen. He is busy behind the scenes working all things for my good.  He knows every detail of my life.

So I think I’ll pass on the invitation to have a stranger listen to me.  I’ve got a Friend who will listen, and do so much more.

For in You, O LORD, I hope; You will hear, O Lord my God.  Psalm 38:15

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.  1 John 5:14

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. Psalm 34:17