GOD ... IS THAT YOU ?

Having received Jesus Christ as Savior, you now have access to your heavenly Father. 

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Galatians 4:4-6

When you come to realize that you enter God's presence from a position of 'sonship', the connection becomes more intimate. And ... as your relationship with the Father unfolds over time, you may find that you are brought to a crossroads. 

It dawns on you that your prayer life has been somewhat 'one-sided'. You take advantage of Christ's invitation, approaching the throne of grace with heartfelt words of adoration, petition, intercession, and thanksgiving. And that is good ... 

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

But, though you offer those sincere, Spirit-led, deep-felt prayers, you may come to realize that there is something amiss. You have filled that precious encounter with so much of your own noise that you fail to leave space for God's response. 

To be 'quiet' and listen for His 'still small voice' is a new concept to a lot of Christians.

First, know ... He has given to you His divinely inspired Word which in itself reveals the mind of God. If a believer does not study and follow the clear dictates found in Scripture, why should he expect to hear God's voice now? If you earnestly desire direction, you must first concede to what the Lord has already commanded.

Now that 'that' is settled ... Just how does God speak to His children? 

The indwelling Holy Spirit imparts 'direction' to your conscience when difficult decisions confront you. This is one way God 'speaks' ... For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. (Romans 8:14)

In context, this passage refers to the Spirit leading us away from sinful activity and toward our relationship with God as Father. He does not impart 'new' information but convicts our hearts of the truth already revealed in Scripture ... all the while fine-tuning it to our particular situation. 

We can also hear God’s voice through others ... Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed. (Proverbs 15:22) 

More experienced Christians can help us see a situation from their perspective. Preaching, teaching, commentaries, devotionals, and personal conversations can be put in this 'advisers' category. 

Remember though ... the Word of God remains the standard by which we discern truth from error. If counselors advise you to do something contrary to Scripture, it is to be dismissed; however, if they help you understand and apply Scripture, then it can be very helpful. 

Another way to hear God’s voice is to pray and ask for wisdom: If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5) 

When you face difficult circumstances and ask for His wisdom, God promises to answer ... not necessarily by an 'audible' voice but through a combination of sources. It may come through the Holy Spirit's convicting power (or inner peace); through the exhortation and advice of others; and/or through self-evaluation of your priorities and obedience to God’s Word.

Learn to listen, pilgrim.