Nudges | Listen | Read His Word

For God speaks again and again, though people do not recognize it. He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night… He whispers in their ears and terrifies them with warnings. He makes them turn from doing wrong…  Job 33:14-18

When we read about the ways God spoke to people in the Bible, we can set our expectations on an experience like that. Give me some thunder and lightning, we think. Morgan Freeman’s voice booming from heaven. We’d have no problem knowing that was God. Or would we? God did speak to Jesus in front of a crowd, and most thought it was thunder (John 12:28-29). At other times, God spoke to someone but others heard only the “sound of many waters” or “loud thunder” (Rev. 19:6; Acts 22:9; Dan. 10:5-6). Not what we’re picturing, is it? So if we’re supposed to listen for His voice and follow it (John 10:27), how do we know it’s God?

We learn to hear the voice of God by first eliminating its competition. Have you ever tried to talk to someone in the bleachers at a tied-up basketball game? Or say something important at a rock concert when the band is taking the stage? Maybe that’s how God feels when noise dominates our lives. We have lost the art of extended stillness, but that’s when God speaks. We also recognize His voice by immersing ourselves in His word. His messages to us will never contradict what’s written. For us to say, “God told me…” is dangerous if we don’t know what He has already said. For example, God will not tell you to sleep with your significant other, kill somebody, or cheat your boss. When His written word is in us, we won’t misunderstand future messages.  

Final Thought:  When you are seeking a word from the Lord, start with the ones He has already written down for you.

Prayer: Father, show me the ways I am forfeiting opportunities to hear from you. My life is filled with continual noise. I don’t know how to enjoy quiet. Help me discipline myself to read your word and hear you speak through it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.