Hearing from God

It has been said that God wants to talk to us more then we want to hear from him. This can be said of anybody, no matter how mature of a Christian we may be. This may not have anything to do with how intently we desire to hear from God, instead it says everything about how earnestly God wants to talk to us. 

When we go to God in prayer, it is easy to do all the talking. Whereas this method of communicating does not apply to any other form of conversation we have. Usually a conversation is a two way street, meaning both parties get to say something to the other. But for us, we often forget to close our mouths and listen to God for what He has to tell us. 

While it is important to bring God all of our thoughts and petitions, because this pleases Him very much, we do well to remember that He already knows everything we have to say. We will say nothing that will surprise God, and our part in this conversation has more to do with us exercising our faith then it does with informing God about our circumstances. 

God has more to teach us then we have to teach God, by far. What God has to say to us is of far greater value than what we have to say to God. While our talking to God is of great value, because it demonstrates our love for God, and exercises our faith in God, what He has to say to us is what we need to live in His Will. 

God’s plan for us is the ideal plan, and for us to know what that is, we must listen. If we are doing all the talking in our prayers, we are not listening. 

Jesus puts it in plain terms, if you belong to Him, you can hear Him. If you believe the Bible then God speaks to you and with some effort, training and practice you will be able to listen.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
– John 10:27-28

This is a skill that you need to develop over time with practice. The fundamental truth is God loves you, and he longs to reach out and talk to you. Even before you received the Holy Spirit, its likely that God would have tried talking to you. Most of the time people can’t differentiate it, or even reject it outright, when God speaks. People often think its their own mind or they encourage thoughts like “it’s impossible for someone as great as the God of the universe to be interested in talking to me”.

God thinks you are important enough to talk to you, and He loves you enough to care about the tiny details of your life. The problem most of the time is that we are too busy, and have no time for God. Many times even when we hear God, we use “worldly logic and reason” him out saying this is not possible.

At times your sins and your guilt make you feel dirty and unclean, and you may feel like you are undeserving of this privilege. Keep in mind, God is willing to forgive you and clean you up. Jesus came to earth and died on the cross for you just so that your sins can be forgiven and you can have a relationship with God.

Many people do what they want to do, even when they know it is wrong and only when they run into trouble do they think of God. They look at God as a troubleshooter and not a guide. Others ask God for advice but they end up doing what they wanted to anyway. These are some attitudes that God does not appreciate or like to work with.

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
– Jeremiah 29:13

God looks at your heart, if you sincerely long for him and want to hear him, he will most certainly answer. Remember for every one step you take towards God, he takes five steps to get closer to you. Throughout the Bible, God has spoken to numerous people in different ways and even today God speaks to millions of people and guides them. God is the same then, now and forever, and he is willing to speak to you. Hopefully the point no longer is Is God willing to talk to me? rather Am I willing to listen?

The focus of your spiritual life should be to answer yes to both these questions:

• Am I looking forward to hear God with all my heart?
• Am I willing to obey him when he speaks to me and guides me?