LIstening

Listening to God requires three things—discipline, calmness, and faith.

If we are to hear God, we must discipline ourselves to constantly seek Him.  God speaks to us primarily in two ways—through the Word of God, and the Spirit of God.  the Word of God. The Word of God to us is the Bible. But He also speaks quietly to our spirits as well.

God will never contradict what He has already said.  That is why we need to know the Bible.  It is a record of what He said in the past.  Nothing God says to us today will contradict what He has said in the Word. 

We need to have humility while we read.  There are many things in the Bible that a casual reader may not comprehend.  That is why commentaries and other Bible helps are so important.  Those who know the Bible can help us interpret it correctly.

God also speaks through His Spirit. The Spirit of God is present in every believer and is still speaking to us today.

Calmness is also essential.  Psalm 131 says I have calmed and quieted my soul. Until we learn to be calm, we cannot hear What God is saying.

How do we get calm? First, by turning off the noise and distractions. We have to get alone in a quiet place.  If you are still trying to have devotions between commercials or driving down the road, you will probably miss much of what God is saying. Lay aside your outward distractions, and concentrate on that “still small voice” within.

Faith is the third necessity. God still speaks through dreams, visions, and signs.  But this kind of spiritual direction is extremely rare. The way God usually speaks is through impressions in the mind. We feel His voice more than hear it.  By faith we learn to trust the inner voice of the Father. 

All of us can hear from God, but only if we listen. Set aside some time every day to listen for His voice. 

Father, give me the wisdom to listen to you more than I speak. Let me be quiet now, so I can hear Your Voice.  In Jesus’ name, Amen