Broken Spirits Make Us Hard of Hearing

You may be full of conviction and truth consoling someone in misery, but something in that person’s spirit cannot be roused. When Moses spoke to the Israelites after their labor intensified under Pharaoh, it fell on deaf ears. Moses pointed to the fact that God would yet be their redeemer, “but they did not listen to Moses because of their broken spirit and harsh slavery.” (Exodus 6:9)

Like the Israelites, I’ve been in places where I can’t see beyond my present pain and every word with good intent comes across as mere platitude. It’s a defense, really - to preserve a morsel of dignity on my own terms. 

The story goes on that in spite of the Israelites’ deaf ears, the Lord nevertheless delivered them. Though not much is recorded of the Israelites’ reaction as the ensuing plagues swept through Egypt, we see that their deafness eventually gave way to faith when instructed by Moses and Aaron regarding the Passover. “And the people bowed their heads and worshiped. Then the people of Israel went and did so; as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did.” (Exodus 12:27-28). Perhaps it was the succession of plagues that finally stirred the Israelites from their stupor. Regardless, their misery was not the final word. Gracious is He who aims to break down our defense, compelling us to faith to see that only He can save!