Have you ever tried to have a conversation with someone who talks and talks, and leaves no room for you to respond? And even when you attempt to speak, talks over your voice, drowning your words. Having a conversation with such a one is next to impossible.
We often times drown God's words and responses to us, when we come to Him talking all the time, and yet not listening to His replies. In Psalm 85, the Psalmist begins by praying to God for help,salvation and deliverance. Then in verse 8 of the same chapter, he tends to pause in His request, somehow, it is as if he remembers the etiquette of conversation, and so declares - I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants- but let them not turn to folly.
When we talk to God, we must make room to also listen to Him speak to us, sometimes audibly, other times quietly in our hearts and spirits. He may choose to inspire us with a Word of scripture, or a song, through the words and actions of another, or through an event or experience. In fact, God is speaking to us a lot of the times, but because we are not consciously listening, we do not hear Him half of the time.
In Isaiah 50:4-5, the Prophet of God makes a declaration about how he goes about his work for God -
The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.
The Sovereign LORD has spoken to me, and I have listened. I have not rebelled or turned away.
The secret in being effective as a child of God is in learning to listen to God after we have prayed to Him. Spend time today to listen for Him.
In Isaiah 30:9, God says about His rebellious children - For this is a rebellious people, false sons, Sons who refuse to listen To the instruction of the LORD;
Then in verse 15 of Isaiah 30, God gives His rebellious children a clue of how they can listen to Him - For thus the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said, “In repentance and rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is your strength.” But you were not willing,
From the above, we can hear God when we approach Him with a repentant heart, and with a heart that fully trusts in Him and has faith in Him. Also we ought to learn to be quiet before Him to listen to what He says. We cannot always be the ones talking. We have to give God the chance to speak, and we need to do the listening.
God, in the same chapter illustrates how He shall direct His children . Isaiah 30:21 - Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."
God is speaking .......LET US LISTEN!
WHAT IS NEXT?
