Joe, like most of us, sometimes had trouble discerning God’s voice amidst all the noise and stress of life. Between work commitments, relationships, and other responsibilities, life was sometimes complicated. But as his health declined and so many peripheral activities fell away, his faith seemed to me to become clearer and simpler. His attitude became “love God and love people.” He found himself in a position to more clearly hear from God.
People often ask, “How do I hear from God?” For me it has to do with reading and studying the Bible, talking with Him throughout the day, admitting my failures to Him, and obeying Him as He reveals to me His desires. And, asking!
Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for I trust in You. Teach me the way in which I should walk, for to You I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8
Whether I am busy or bored, sad or content and grateful (or a jumble of emotions!), I need to just be quiet and enjoy God’s presence often.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10
I imagine that God knows each of us not only by name, but also by personality. I’m inclined to think He speaks to us as we need Him to, if we will just listen for His voice.
When as a teen Joe seemed to hear God say to him one night, “Make up your mind, Joe. Are you Mine or not?” I bet that was exactly what Joe needed to hear from God at that time. I think he needed to be jolted out of his spiritual apathy. What is He saying to you these days?
Comments