One Way to Hear from God by Lisa Burkhardt Worley
Proactive Listening.
That’s what author and pastor Mark Batterson says we need to do to hear the voice of God. I am currently at the beach where I feel closest to God and where I’ve received some profound direction like “I want you to quit your full-time job” after I felt a call to seminary back in 2003. I resisted at first and laid down some parameters for proceeding: “You need to replace my salary in my husband’s salary and make it his idea.” Both happened, but not before I ended up in the Emergency Room with panic attacks at finals and once again the following semester at mid-terms. I should have listened and taken a leap of faith, but didn’t.
Shifting back to current day, there has not been a direct message from the Lord on this beach trip. There has been some great family time and really good food. We also put a 1000 piece puzzle together and had some relaxing outings at the pool and beach. But I think I haven’t heard from above because I have not done any “proactive listening.”
I’ve started the days with my usual morning routine:
Worship.
Bible reading.
Prayer.
But no true silence and meditation.
There is a scenario in my life right now where I need a word from God. I need to know whether to proceed or pull back, because if I am supposed to move forward I may have to let go of something else. I’ve learned my lesson about overextending.
So I am thankful for the reminder during my time with my heavenly Father this morning. I need to be intentional about listening. I need to be more like Jacob who wrestled with God until he received a blessing. Or like Jesus who spent long periods of time with the Lord so He would receive direction from His Father. John 5:19 says Jesus only did what He saw the Father doing.
What about you? Do you need direction about something in your life? Consider Proactive Listening. Push all extraneous thoughts out of your mind. Sit in His presence without saying a word, and ask God to speak.
“Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes (Psalm 119:98–99).
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This Wednesday May 27 is our monthly POP Chat at 6:30 p.m. Our Subject will be “How to Have Peace in Your Life.” We hope you will sign up and join us for a powerful time of Worship, Prayer, Teaching and Conversation online. The link to register is below: