Pretending Not To Hear - Encouragement for Today - June 15, 2026
Pretending Not To Hear
LYNN RINGIS, COMPEL Pro Member
Lee en español
“They say to the seers, ‘See no more visions!’ and to the prophets, ‘Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions. Leave this way, get off this path, and stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel!’” Isaiah 30:10-11 (NIV)
When I was a little girl, my mom would tuck me in each night and whisper, “Sweet dreams, Lynnie.”
But one evening, I wasn’t interested in bedtime. I covered my ears with my chubby little hands and pleaded, “Don’t say those sweet dreams to me!” I thought if I didn’t hear the words, I wouldn’t have to obey.
As silly as that sounds, God’s chosen people acted much the same way in the prophet Isaiah’s day. The Israelites had grown weary of hearing the truth. They begged the prophets to stop confronting them with God’s commands, essentially covering their ears with their hands:
“They say to the seers, ‘See no more visions!’ and to the prophets, ‘Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions. Leave this way, get off this path, and stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel!’” (Isaiah 30:10-11).
In other words: Tell us what we want to hear. Don’t remind us of our sin.
It would be easy to judge their stubbornness, but honestly I get it. I don’t always want to hear God’s Truth either. Sometimes I still feel like that little girl with my hands covering my ears, hoping to avoid the conviction and somehow excuse my disobedience.
But pretending not to know doesn’t change reality.
I’ve learned this the hard way in everyday life. For example, I may not see a posted speed limit sign along the highway for a while, but I know the speed limit. Just because the sign is not visible at any given time doesn’t change the rule, and I will be held accountable if I break it.
Spiritually, the same is true. Just as Jesus promises us in John 14:26, the Holy Spirit will teach us all things and remind us of His words. We can’t claim ignorance. God’s Truth remains whether we choose to listen or not.
So I’m thankful for a God who will lovingly pry my hands from my ears!
Our human sin nature makes perfect obedience impossible, but as Titus 3:3-7 reminds us, salvation in Christ does not come from our righteousness or things we have done — it comes from God’s mercy.
What a relief that even in our stubbornness, rebellion, and disobedience, God speaks. Friend, let’s keep listening. Psalm 86:11 can become our prayer: “Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name” (NIV).
May we not only hear but also obey.
Heavenly Father, I praise You for speaking Truth even when I’d rather hear something easier. Gently uncover my ears, steady my wandering heart, and shape me to love Your way more than my own comfort. Help me listen, trust, and obey. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
What if the choices and consequences you keep struggling with aren’t random — but they're a pattern God wants to interrupt? Don’t Let Go is our next study, beginning July 13 in the First 5 app, and it’s designed to help you recognize what’s been repeating and respond in a new way. As you walk with the kings of Israel and hear the voices of the prophets, you’ll see how God meets His people right in the middle of their sin cycles and calls them back to Himself. If you’re ready for something to shift, you can get your Don’t Let Go study guide today from the Proverbs 31 Bookstore. We can’t wait to dive in with you!
ENGAGE
Love receiving your Encouragement for Today Devotions Monday-Friday? You can sign up to get a devotion every Saturday, too — plus a short, reflective prayer every Sunday! Subscribe here by checking the second box: “I’d like to receive devotions on the weekends.”
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Matthew 13:15, “For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them” (NIV).
John 14:26, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (NIV).
What hard truth might the Holy Spirit be speaking to you that has you covering your ears? What next step will move you in the direction of obedience?
We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.
© 2026 by Lynn Ringis. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
