Listening to God
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. (Psalm 25:4-5)
Have you been in a conversation with someone who only wanted to talk about themselves? They talk about the unending “busyness” within their family, the stress coming from their job, and the recent conflict they had with a friend. They might even take the time to ask for your help or your advice. However, they don’t stop talking long enough for you to actually answer them. Isn’t it frustrating to talk with people like that?
Let me ask you a question. How many times have you had conversations like that with God? You have told Him every detail of the problems and issues you were dealing with at the time. You asked Him for guidance and direction, but you never really took the time to listen for His answer. I know I have been guilty of doing that, and I’m sure many of you have, as well.
We talked about mountaintop experiences and how to position ourselves spiritually to have those encounters with God. One of the best things we can do to put ourselves in that position is to make prayer a priority. However, we must fully understand that prayer is both listening to God and speaking to God.
Any successful relationship embodies two-way communication. If one person only talks and never listens, that relationship will cease to grow into a thriving, life-giving relationship. Our relationship with the Lord is no exception. We must be just as intentional about listening to God as we are about speaking to Him. He wants to communicate with us. He wants to speak to us through the Holy Spirit within us.
I would challenge you today to start setting aside time to speak to God and listen to our Heavenly Father. Present your questions, struggles, and requests to Him; then be still and listen for Him to give you guidance, encouragement, and wisdom. Ask Him to speak to you clearly, and then to confirm what He is putting on your heart with His Word. If you do, He will be faithful in answering you.
Have you been in a conversation with someone who only wanted to talk about themselves? They talk about the unending “busyness” within their family, the stress coming from their job, and the recent conflict they had with a friend. They might even take the time to ask for your help or your advice. However, they don’t stop talking long enough for you to actually answer them. Isn’t it frustrating to talk with people like that?
Let me ask you a question. How many times have you had conversations like that with God? You have told Him every detail of the problems and issues you were dealing with at the time. You asked Him for guidance and direction, but you never really took the time to listen for His answer. I know I have been guilty of doing that, and I’m sure many of you have, as well.
We talked about mountaintop experiences and how to position ourselves spiritually to have those encounters with God. One of the best things we can do to put ourselves in that position is to make prayer a priority. However, we must fully understand that prayer is both listening to God and speaking to God.
Any successful relationship embodies two-way communication. If one person only talks and never listens, that relationship will cease to grow into a thriving, life-giving relationship. Our relationship with the Lord is no exception. We must be just as intentional about listening to God as we are about speaking to Him. He wants to communicate with us. He wants to speak to us through the Holy Spirit within us.
I would challenge you today to start setting aside time to speak to God and listen to our Heavenly Father. Present your questions, struggles, and requests to Him; then be still and listen for Him to give you guidance, encouragement, and wisdom. Ask Him to speak to you clearly, and then to confirm what He is putting on your heart with His Word. If you do, He will be faithful in answering you.
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4 Comments
I really needed to hear that listening is essential
Because of the many voices that are antichrist speaking in the world today; It is a necessity to live intentional regarding setting time aside to speak and listen to God.
Thank YOU Dr. Dodd. Message Received, PRAISE JESUS !
Lots of good advice here 👍 ... Lord, help me seek Your Face more earnestly and honestly ... I know You are "Always" there for me ... and, that You Love me beside my neglect of You ... Please strengthen my Love for You.