Does it surprise you to know that God speaks to us? He does, but he doesn’t come down in a pillar of fire with his voice bounding. How would the creator of the universe speak to us? There are several ways, but it’s essential to be in place to hear and receive. How do we get there? How do we know it’s him? I’ve had an exceptionally difficult week. I felt weak, numb, tired, and unworthy, but I really needed to hear from him; he came through.
In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice;
Psalm 5:3
In the morning, I will prepare [a prayer and a sacrifice] for You and watch and wait [for You to speak to my heart].
Praying for Direction
I was in a weakened state this morning. Feeling spiritually dull from some life events, feeling unworthy, and fatigued from a lack of sleep last night. I sat before God and was weak and still. I acknowledged that I felt numb, but I still prayed because he was always my answer. Opening my Bible (the best place to go to position ourselves to hear from God), I started reading where I’d left off. It wasn’t there. Holding my soul up to him, I flipped to different places and read. Eventually, I found myself in Acts chapter 5. The passage was the story of the persecution of the disciples and Gamaliel. It felt significant, but I didn’t feel it applied to anything. Then I moved on with my tasks.
33 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 36 For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice,
Acts 5:33-38
Instagram Prayer and Meditation
I follow a prayer accounts on Instagram (I wish I remembered, I’d tag her) I stopped and sincerely prayed with her. While in that state of stillness and worship, that same scripture from Acts 5 came back to mind. It was the second time this scripture came up on the same day. That’s a hint that God might be speaking it to me. I tried to apply it to my prayers this morning, but it didn’t fit. I asked God to show me. Then I continued with my tasks that day, heart open to God, thinking about the scripture from time to time.
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Romans 10:17
Pondering and Marveling
God did speak to me that day. The scripture I previously used helped me hold my tongue (a miracle in itself) and wait on him for results. I used it often when I had questions about pastors, leaders, teachers, ministries, and churches. God’s beautiful word, in its infinite applications, turned that scripture to me. I’m working on a big project that is intimidating to me. It’s easy to see a lot of obstacles that will take it down. Today’s message was to devote my thoughts, direction, and work to him. This continual sacrifice and action make my project God’s undertaking, not mine or man’s. I sit back, my mouth closed, and listen and watch. I what I do is of God, it will eventually succeed. God encouraged me in this weary time to put this work into his hands daily. If it’s of him, nothing can stop it.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14
Hearing God
Hearing God is simple but requires a different sacrifice than we expect. It’s a sacrifice from our worries, insecurities, unworthiness, and unbelief. It requires time to step away from our never endings tasks, entertainment, habits, and concerns and look to him, remember his goodness and love for us. To recognize his voice, we must be in his word, meditate on it throughout the day and seek him. He greatly desires to be found by us, for us to reach and commune with him. There’s no greater strength or peace in the middle of storms, fatigue, numbness, or uncertainty.
