10/03/2022
How is it that we hear God speaking to us, and do we obey him when He does? Sometimes it is in a gentle breeze that guides us when we are still enough to perceive it, and at other times a low whisper that requires us to be silent, but we occasionally hear him in a loud clear voice. However we hear Him, we first, and always, must be listening. Sometimes He might get our attention with a storm, by violently shaking the earth, or with a raging fire but even then His voice will usually be gentle and low. Like Jesus did to Saul we might be knocked down, or blinded, but His voice, even when it comes in a more normal volume, will be clear and calm as He speaks, and as He directs us into a new life, just as Saul was as he became Paul. However, the real question in all of this is this… what do we do with what God tells us? Do we obey, or just wonder if that was really Him?
“And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.”
1 Kings 19:12 ESV
We react to life with urgency, fear, and anxiousness because we don’t control what lies ahead. We wail and cry out because our next steps are a mystery to us, but God does not act in this way, and when He speaks to us His voice is calm because He knows the way, and the place that He has prepared for us.
“In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?”
John 14:2 ESV
Are we calmed by our understanding of his omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence? Do we believe the words of the song that we sang as children… that He truly does have the Whole World in His Hands? Do we trust in what He says, and remain calm in the face of our trials, and tribulations, knowing that if we obey Him all will be good, and we will be well?
“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.”
Isaiah 30:21 ESV
So God speaks to us, and for us to hear Him it will be necessary for us to listen. Then, once we have heard, and understood, we must obey… not just once, but always. Are we listening and obeying as we should today?
“Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly.”
Psalm 85:8 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for giving me just enough breeze in my sails to pull me against the current that flows contrary to a righteous life. Thank you for the faith I have in you, and the manner in which it stills me, quiets me, and allows me to hear your voice without needing a clap of thunder, a roaring wind to rend my tent, or the choking sting of smoke in my lungs to get my attention. Help me Lord to be quit enough to hear the lowest of your whispers, and still enough to feel the most gentle of breezes as your breath, and hand, guide me in your ways. Teach me to listen, and to hear your voice as you speak to me, then, through my faith, and understanding of your “Omni” powers, help me to obey what you have told me… without a shred of doubt or fear. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God who leads me through life, and into eternity. Praised be your name for the peace, calm, and joy that only you can provide, and for the courage, and resolve that will lead me to become righteous, and holy as Jesus is righteous and holy. Merciful are you that you would knock me down like Saul should I not hear your voice, and speak to me of your desire for my life, and your will for me in it. By your grace I am redeemed in Jesus Christ, and by your hand a mansion has been prepared for me in Heaven. Still me, quiet me, and wash me clean of sin with the blood of Jesus. Circumcise my heart that I will feel your presence, and still any wind in my life that might distract me from you, or keep me from hearing your voice. Judge me to be worthy by my obedience to your Word, and transformation into the image of Jesus your Son. Hear the silent praise emanating from of my soul, and speak to me in the gentle whispers of your eternal love.
Rich Forbes