For years I have longed to "hear" God speak to me. I wonder sometimes if I am not a good listener. My closest friend, my sister-in-law, my dear friend and mentor...they have all talked about God "speaking" to them or how God has revealed something to them. Sometimes I sit quietly with God during my morning prayers, I tell him I'm listening but I'm not sure he speaks to me in this way. My sweet friend once said that she loves how God answers my prayers so often. Of course, I am overwhelmed by his graciousness to me in this way and maybe I should be content but I can't help but long for a two-way conversation. I think he is showing me that he wants this too. I have been seeking his help to figure out the best way to keep my words and responses kind and encouraging. I keep thinking that if I just remember to stop before I speak and ask him to tell me what to say to my husband, or how to discipline my children, or how to handle a situation at that moment that he would speak to me through his Holy Spirit and tell me. I have had several confirmations of this just this week, well...that I have noticed anyway, they do have to be pretty obvious! I realized this is exactly what I have been trying to teach my son as he gets frustrated with his sisters, to respond with kind words and then if you still need help, come to me. Also, my friend was telling me a story about disciplining one of her children and how she prayed before entering his room and God gave her a great idea. Then, yesterday my daily devotion was about listening to God.
"Come to Me and listen! Attune yourself to My voice, and receive My richest blessings. Though I am King of the universe I am totally accessible to you. When I cried out from the cross, "It is finished!" the curtain in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. This opened the way for you to meet with Me face to Face, with no need for protocol or priest. I the King of Kings am your constant companion." - Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
This author also tells the story of how she learned to sit quietly and write what she believed God was telling her. Finally, in my Bible reading this morning I read Isaiah 50:4, "He wakens me morning by morning, he wakens my ear to listen like one being taught." Prayer is for listening too! And how many times does he tell us to listen, to HEAR? Surely this is his desire for all of us and he is pleased that I want greater intimacy and communication with him?! Maybe listening wasn't my problem after all, maybe it was a lack of faith that these are really his words in my thoughts and I should act on them in obedience. Regardless I am determined to ask him to give me wisdom and words throughout the course of my day. I have a feeling I will be pleasantly surprised.
