. . . the Lord spoke to Joshua the Son of Nun, saying . . . (Joshua 1:1)
The Lord spoke. God made Himself known to Joshua. He personally spoke to Him in the midst of His situation. God is a speaking God. He is not silent. He wants us to know Him and His heart.
The good news for us is that God still speaks today. He wants us to know Him and fellowship with Him. He is the one who initiates contact with us. We would not be able to know God apart from the greatness of His creation, unless He willing makes Himself know to us.
God created us for fellowship. He wants to be in relationship with us. He wants us to understand His ways and participate in His great plans for us (Jer. 29:11). He doesn’t want us wandering in the wilderness, but wants us to enter into our Promised Land. With that in mind consider the following:
God is speaking, so take time to listen.
It is part of what we call prayer. Prayer is a two-way conversation. It is not just us speaking to God. It is God speaking to us. We must take time throughout our day to listen to God.
One action of a Bible college teacher remains in my mind today even after 27+ years. One day in class Terry Anderson was telling us how he just stops at various times during the day just to listen to see if God is speaking anything to him. He wants to make sure that he takes the time to see if God is speaking. It does not take long and God does not speak every time, but it ensures that his heart and attention are turned toward God.
Later I was attending a weekend retreat where Terry was the main speaker. It was at a camp that had a bunch of enclosed showers and many sinks and mirrors. I was taking a shower and was tall enough to see over the top of the shower stall. I saw Terry over by one of the sinks shaving. In the middle of shaving he paused, bowed his head and put both hands on the sink and just listened. It only lasted for about thirty second, but it changed my life and actions forever.
God is speaking, so listen for Him today.
I was deeply impacted by that simple action. I remembered his words and now saw it in action. This man took time to stop what he was doing to listen. Here are some encouraging thoughts for each of us as we go through our day today:
- The God who created the heavens and the earth wants to speak to you. Yes it is true, he wants to be with you and speak into your life.
- God has wisdom that He will willingly give us, if we will simply come to Him and ask. James says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him (James 1:1).
- In the midst of a busy and hectic day, stop for a few moments and listen. God maybe He has something He wants to say to you.
- In the midst of confusion, indecision, or struggle; stop and listen. God wants to give you peace and guide your steps.
- God never speaks to you? Quiet your heart, open your ears, and listen. Don’t say a word. Just listen. That still, small voice in your head might just be God speaking to you.
Have an awesome day. May you hear the voice of the Lord loud and clear, even if it is a whisper.
Any great insights on hearing the voice of God?
Related articles
- 2012: The Year of Possessing the Land (ttuinder.wordpress.com)
- Learning to Hear the Voice of God (ttuinder.wordpress.com)
