How have you learned to listen to God and not just keep talking? Vicki explains.
“The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice” (John 10:3-4).
I’m finally getting the hang of communicating with God. Key word: with.
I used to only talk AT Him. I’d fold my hands and register my requests, as if telling a restaurant server my order. I’d sometimes add questions.
“Which doctor should I contact? What will I do with my life, now that I can’t . . .?”
“Amen” would signal the end of my “conversation” with God.
Off I’d go, without waiting to hear what He had to say, or without opening His Word.
Then, I’d complain:
Why didn’t He answer me? Doesn’t He care about how I feel?
Imagine if I had a similar “conversation” with my mechanic–
“For several weeks, my car has been making a high squeaking sound. Please fix it. Do you think the problem is bad brakes?”
Off I’d go without waiting for a response.
Then imagine me wondering: Why didn’t he answer me? Doesn’t he care about me or my car?
It recently occurred to me that God just might have something to say.
A Holy Hush: Habakkuk 2:20 (AMP) grabbed my attention: “But the Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth hush and keep silence before Him.”
Silence before God? What a concept! What more could I learn of His love if I simply listened to Him?
God’s creation speaks to me of His majesty. Mighty mountains and stunning sunsets reveal His power and might. Everything I can see and hear is only the beginning of what I could know about God.
Even in suffering, Job knew there was so much more to know about God. “And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power?” (Job 26:14).
Sh-h-h . . . Hear that?
“Keep silence before Me.”
God has something to tell you.
Prayer: Dear Father, Forgive me for missing Your holy hush. Thoughts of my burdens bounce around my head. Settle my mind so I can learn more of Your unseen glory. Whisper words which I’ll recognize as Yours. How I want to come closer to an understanding of Your ways and to comprehend more of Your love for me! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the Author:
Vicki understands special needs as a patient, parent, and professor. She has had multiple sclerosis since 1993. her 33 year old son was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. She’s taught special education as a teacher, administrator, and adjunct professor. Through her blog, she reaches out to other mothers of children with mental illness. http://mentalillnessmom2mom.net/ . Vicki wrote a picture book about bullying: Heart Eyes: Beth and the Bullies. You can find out more about that book by visiting her Heart Eyes website: http://www.hearteyes.net
What has God spoken to you when you’ve rested quietly in His presence?
This is Twila Paris singing “I Will Listen” and the lyrics are simply beautiful. If you have ever tried to hear God’s voice, if you have dared to dream, or asked God what direction He wanted you to take, this song is for you. Take a few minutes to just breathe and remember what it means to listen. -Lisa
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 