Monday, September 5, 2011

BETTER Hearing the Voice of God


Are you overwhelmed by the mounting pressure? Have you picked up too many responsibilities that God didn't call you to undertake (Luke 10:38-42)? Is too much of your identity bound up in doing great things for God rather than simply enjoying being with Him?

Why do we not hear God sometimes? Sometimes unrepentant, unconfessed sin stands in our way. Sometimes our lives are too loud. Sometimes we are proud & stubborn, unwilling to bow our heads & bend our knees. Sometimes our prayers are too one-sided, focusing more on our "needs" & "wants," rote & routine, without stopping to hear His answer. Sometimes we don't want to hear what He's telling us.

How do we better hear the Voice of God? Repent of all unconfessed sin (both intentional & unintentional). Ask God where you need to change. Be willing to obey, to follow where He leads. Be humble to receive instruction. When in prayer, be in an attitude of waiting on the Lord (Psalm 46:10). Rest in Him. Trust in His grace. Continually be filled with the Holy Spirit. Be ready & willing to be used of God, for His Glory & your Good (Romans 8:28). Take the time to sit at His feet, enjoying His Presence. Remove yourself from the distractions. Quiet the noise. Learn from other people (their decisions, lifestyles, experiences etc). Seek a quiet place to be alone with God. Weigh everything against Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). Seek confirmation. Grow your prayer life. Read His written Word. Be in relationship with other Christians. Actively look for godly input & influence. Quiet your soul. Actively seek Him. Cut down on the commotion, slow down & really listen to God. He will answer, but not always in the way we were expecting! Return to your first love. Draw near to God & He will draw near to you (James 4:8). Focus on Him; because NOTHING else matters!

2 comments:

  1. Learning to hear along with you ...

    Delighted to meet you today. I hope you don't mind if I splash around a bit to get to know you. This looks like a refreshing place to dip into some serious goodness.

    Splashin',
    Sarah

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  2. Hi Sarah! Thanks for the comment! Thanks for stopping by. I'm enjoying looking through your blog too. Be blessed!

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