"What is God looking for?"

Day 3: A Heart That Will Listen

Introduction:

A pastor once told me, "God speaks to us in different ways, but always in ways that we can understand." You may not be aware of this (it's okay) but God is always speaking. You may be thinking... "yeah always speaking to someone else." While that's true, I'd like to let you know that He is actually speaking to you too, you just may not hear Him yet.

Oftentimes, when it feels like God is "silent" it's an invitation more than it is a disposition. By that I mean, when you don't "feel" like God is speaking to you, rather than just accepting it and moving on --or out of His presence, these times are great for pursuing Him even more, and "pressing in" (by spending time in worship and reading His word) until you hear Him.

Verses:

Matthew 10:27 - Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops.

Romans 10:17 - So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

I Samuel‬ ‭3‬:‭10 - Now the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.”

Isaiah‬ ‭45‬:‭3 - I will give you the treasures of darkness And hidden riches of secret places, That you may know that I, the LORD, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel.

Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭20 - Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

Luke 12:11-12 - Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.

Listening & Hearing:

The verses given give powerful insight into listening and hearing the voice (or Word) of God, and the importance of doing so. God is longing to have a conversation with us. If you notice in Revelation 3:20 Jesus is saying that He is standing at our door and knocking. He is engaging in conversation with us, we just need to listen.

I know these are a lot of verses and nothing really says, well here's how you talk with God, or here's how you listen to Him. I've found that God is not ignorant of the way we hear. Oftentimes, God will talk with us in a way only we can understand. A few practical ways are: reading His word, talking with and getting counsel from a pastor or mature believer, and hearing Him respond to us in prayer.

Of course the first is simple, when we read God's word, we are literally reading God's words to us. When you need to know what God thinks about you, pick up the bible and start reading. Read about how He sees that we are conquerors and not defeated (Romans 8:37) or that nothing will separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). Or that we were once outcasts but He now calls us His people (Romans 9:25-26). Or that now you are seated in Heavenly Places with Christ, and that you can imagine yourself sitting next to God on His throne and see your problems as specs of dust (Ephesians 2:6). Or that you are God's workmanship (or masterpiece) (Ephesians 2:10). Or that Jesus really calls you a friend (John 15:15). These are words spoken about you and I, and they are meant to encourage us and let us hear His voice.

Also, talking with mature believers such as your pastor, or parents (if they're walking with Jesus) gives us insight into God's heart. Finally, God will speak to us in prayer and in worship, and in times where we shut out the world, and all distractions, and pursue Him. Matthew 10:27 says "What you hear in the ear" or rather what I whisper to you in the ear. So God will also whisper things to us using a voice that only we can hear and understand, and we have to learn to be quiet enough to hear it.

As you spend more and more time with God and step out into obedience, you will learn to hear His voice more clearly.

Activation:

This week practice those 3 things:

1. Read your Bible; start with those passages I mentioned in the explanation.
2. Talk with older believers about God, ask them their story and how they've walked with God over the years.
3. Spend time with God in prayer and write down all that you feel He is saying to you.

If you're ever in doubt that something you hear is from God, it is ok to ask someone else. There is no condemnation for hearing God wrong, it's all a process and we are ALL learning.

Pray this with me:

Lord, I know you are speaking to Your people. I know You have plans, purposes, and assignments for me. I desire to hear Your voice and Your heart for me clearly. As I listen, would You speak to me? As I hear, would You give me boldness to step out in obedience? I trust You, and I believe You have great plans for my life. In Jesus' name, amen!