LISTENING TO GOD

“Hear, O My people” (Psalm 81:8)! Over and over in the Bible, our Father calls upon us to listen to Him. He called to His nation, “Hear, O Israel” (Deuteronomy 6:4). He told the seven churches of John’s time (and the Church today) to hear what the Spirit was saying to them (Revelation 2:7,11,17,29, 3:6,13,22). Jesus challenged the multitude who came to Him to hear and understand His teachings (Matthew 15:10). The reason Israel fell into sin and out of fellowship with God was because they did not hearken to God or walk in His ways (Psalm 81:11,13). The writer of Hebrews tells us that we should give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time they would slip away (or we drift from them - Hebrews 2:1).

I know that we read our Bibles, but do we hear what God is saying? I don’t mean with physical ears, but with the heart. Do we take His word to heart (Psalm 119:9-11)? God’s word was meant to dwell in our hearts (Proverbs 4:20,21). Then when we truly hear God’s word, there will be the corresponding doing of His word (James 1:22).

Saints, we need the wisdom that God offers us, and that comes by requesting it (James 1:5), and then inclining our ears (Proverbs 2:2) to the teachings of the Spirit of God (John 14:26). And whenever we are attentive to the Lord’s word to us, our faith is strengthened (Romans 10:17).

Oh, how blessed (“happy”) are the saints who hear the Lord speak to them through His Word (Proverbs 8:34)! If we are of the truth, we will hear God’s voice (John 18:37d). So many of us miss the enjoyment of the Word of God because we are in a hurry to do something or go somewhere. If your life is so ordered that you find no time to really listen to the Lord speak to you daily, your life is not rightly prioritized at all! 

Be still and listen (Luke 10:38-42). Abba has something wonderful to say to you!