Sometimes, we can be guilty of listening to everything but God.
Today, we must deliberately change that by applying the principles in this cup of inspiration, which are best illustrated by an interesting experience I had with my teenage daughter yesterday.
“Kyla!” I called out to my 14-year-old.
Seconds later, I heard my bouncy teen's feet running up the stairs.
“You were downstairs?” I asked, surprised when she appeared, slightly winded.
“What kind of hearing do you have?” I questioned jokingly, shocked she heard my voice from that far.
Kyla just chuckled and shrugged.
You see, when I summoned her, I was just one room over from her bedroom—where I thought she was at the time. I did not realize she was on the main floor of the house, until I heard a rapid boom-boom-boom sound emanating from the direction of the staircase.
In my estimation, her proximity away from me was too great for her to hear my voice clearly when I spoke in such a subdued tone. I was genuinely taken aback!
Well, I guess we now know who has “wolf senses” in the family. Researchers say wolves can hear as far as six miles away in the forest, and ten miles in the open.
Although I’m only half serious about her keen animal senses, there is something that downloaded into my spirit instantly from that brief encounter.
My child’s ears are sensitive to my voice. So when I speak her name, she recognizes the sound and responds in a hurry.
That is the way we ought to be with God —so in tune with Him, that when He speaks to us, we know and follow His voice. In John 10:27 NIV, Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
When our Good Shepherd communicates with us, our hearts should be so open to Him that we sense His presence, feel His power, hear and obey His instructions.
Without hearing from Him, we are lost, which is what the disciple Peter expressed in John 6:68 when he said, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
Friend, this post is God’s clarion call to you today. He is saying,: I want to commune with You. My spirit and my words are life to you. Hear my voice. In Matthew 4:4 NIV, “Jesus answered, ‘It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Sometimes, just like my soft call to Kyla, the Lord will gently nudge and whisper to us.
Have you ever sensed His guidance? Has He ever told you not to go somewhere, or to avoid doing something? His command may not have been audible, but still, you knew it was Him?
Has He ever dropped a song, scripture, or some sort of encouraging word into your heart? Has His inspiration, at some point, poured out of our fingers as you wrote in your journal? Did you recognize a confirming word from a person you were sure God used to speak definitively into your life?
Has the Lord ever visited you in your dreams, communed with you in your time of prayer and worship?
There is no shortage of ways that He reaches out to us. It is imperative that we learn to hear and heed His voice speedily.
To help ensure you do not miss any of what God wants to say to you, I’m stirring the words of the young Prophet Samuel into your cup of inspiration.
This is what he said to God after his mentor, Eli the Priest, instructed him on how to effectively communicate with the Father: “Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:10b)
When you drink down the contents of your cup, you will be reminded that God is speaking. In order to hear Him, do what James 4:8a NIV instructs:“Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
He has such special and important instructions to give, and messages He wants to share.
To receive them, just open three things: His word, a space in your life, and your heart.
That is how you hear from God.
Now let’s pray.
God, thank You for speaking to me today through this word. It is my desire to hear You more clearly, love You more dearly, and walk with You more nearly. Please help me to remove any hindrances in my life that would stop me from receiving every word You want to share with me. My heart is open to You God. In the words of Your Prophet Samuel, my prayer is “Speak Lord. Your servant hears.” In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with You. I know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.
