CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?
Blessed are those who listen to Me, watching daily at My doors, waiting at My doorway.
Proverbs 8:34 (NIV)
Guard your steps as you go to the house of God, and approach to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know that they are doing evil.
Ecclesiastes 5:1 (NASB)
Several years ago, Brookwood offered a class called Hearing God. It remains one of the most well-attended classes that Brookwood has ever offered. It far exceeded the expectations of our staff. We had to open new spaces and times for people who wanted to attend. It speaks to the intuitive sense that there’s more to being a follower of Christ than just following Biblical principles. Jews and Muslims do that. No, we understand that as Christians, our faith has an experiential component because the Holy Spirit lives in us.
Sometimes the issue we face is the busyness that crowds out the voice of the Spirit. Make no mistake, if the Spirit of God can knock Saul off his horse (Acts 9:3-4), He’s more than able to cut through any distraction we might face. But often God chooses to speak to those who are intentionally seeking Him. At least three of the seven key practices of hearing God involve going to your prayer closet. They are:
- Spending time in God’s word (John 14:21).
- Prayer and stillness (Psalm 46:10).
- Seeking Him in the secret place (Matthew 6:6).
- Obedience to God’s commands (John 3:22).
- Desire and ask to hear (Jeremiah 33:3).
- Fasting (Acts 13:2).
- Discernment by the Holy Spirit (John 10:27).
If you’re serious about hearing God’s voice, getting away from people is key to creating a receptive posture for God to speak. Our natural tendency is to be overly concerned about appearances. Sequestering yourself away is a great way to remove that temptation. It allows us to be free and open with God, but also helps bring clarity when God speaks in a still, small voice (1 Kings 19:11-13).
APPLICATION: Do you want to hear from God? Separate yourself from others and seek God in a secret place. Start with prayer, letting God know you’re available if He wants to speak. Slowly read through one of the Psalms and see what God’s Spirit highlights for you.
PRAYER: Lord, I come to You as I am. I give You my full attention. Please speak to me. What do You want me to know? Your servant is listening. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?