September 22, 2022
Our attention is given to those we think deserve it. If we have someone we disregard, we may hear it audibly, but we will not follow it internally. We regularly sift through all the world’s noise and choose to follow those we value.
THE ULTIMATE VOICE
Some people, most people perhaps, pay no attention to God. They rarely get in a posture to hear from Him. And even when He speaks through His Word, by His Spirit, and through His people, they ignore His voice.
But there is a reason they should listen. Zechariah was speaking to the Israelites for God and begins his prophecy with these simple, but overwhelming words:
The burden of the word of the Lord concerning Israel. Thus declares the Lord who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him. (Zechariah 12:1)
We should listen to God for every possible reason, but here is one: He made everything. He is the Sovereign over heaven, earth, and every human being who has ever existed. He made each of us and “forms the spirit of man within him.” The spirit is the part of man designed for us to know God when we are regenerated through spiritual conversion. God has designed us to be able to hear His voice.
As our Creator, He knows everything and knows us. Why would we pay no attention to the only One with this complete perspective?
As the Creator of all and the Ruler over all, He knows where life and history are headed. How foolish to ignore the only One who sees time and eternity at a glance.
As our Creator who has designed the means for us to hear His voice, why would we choose to resist this invitation to intimacy with God?
It’s not as though God is not speaking.
"There is hardly ever a complete silence in our soul. God is whispering to us well nigh incessantly. Whenever the sounds of the world die out in the soul, or sink low, then we hear these whisperings of God. He is always whispering to us, only we do not always hear because of the noise, hurry, and distraction which life causes as it rushes on." (Fredrick Faber)
God is speaking all the time. It would be wise to be silent and listen. Read His recorded Word and ask Him to speak. Come to Him in prayer and listen. And when He speaks, pay attention to the One who made you and loves you with everlasting compassion.
Father, I’m overwhelmed when I think of Your willingness to condescend to me and speak. Forgive me for being preoccupied so much of life with other voices, with lesser things. Give me the grace and desire to listen to You without ceasing. Take me into the inner room and help me “pray to my Father who is in heaven.” Let me listen to the One who made me and gladly submit to Your speaking voice.
April 30, 2025
And then he said with a twinkle in his eye that had seen nine decades plus, “I believe this may be the best season of my life!”
April 24, 2025
This is only possible with God’s aid. He tells us to draw near to Him, and He will draw near to us. But that approach begins with a plea for His help in this foundational task. It is our most important step of every day and throughout the day. We must be aware of God.
