I've Got to Go

Have you ever been on the phone and had something you really wanted to tell the other person, but before you could say it, they ended the call? This has happened to me many times. It leaves me with a bad feeling. That person said everything they wanted to and just ended the call. I never got to share what was on my mind. 

Do you think we have ever made God feel like that? We pray, but do we listen? God speaks to us. Why else would Jesus say:

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27 NLT) He speaks through the Bible and speaks to our hearts.

God spoke to Elijah: “Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. (1 Kings 19:11-13) 

Just as God spoke to Elijah, He speaks to us. The Bible guides us in many ways, but some details are not in there. For example, the Bible says in 2 Thessalonians 3:10: Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.

So, clearly if I want to eat, I need a job. But the Bible does not tell me which job. I, as a believer, need take time alone with God and listen. I need to ask Him to guide me. 

The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. (Psalm 37:23)

God will guide us. My pastor puts it this way, “God has a great plan for your life, but not a great life for your plan.”

So, you may be asking, how does that work? How do I hear God? Simple, spend time with God. Just as I’ve been rushed off a phone call, I have rushed away from God. When we pray, God hears us, and He speaks to our hearts and souls. Prayer should be a conversation, not a monologue. Need guidance? Look in the Bible. Need details? Be still and listen with your spirit. 

Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world. (Psalm 46:10)

If we don’t get still, how can we know Him? Let this be a challenge to you today. Set aside time for God and listen. His voice brings peace. It brings clarity. He will never contradict Himself. Everything He says is true and will line up with what the Bible says. Yes, this will take practice, but it is entirely worth our time and effort. Let the God of the universe into your universe. Start with Scripture and grow from there.

Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)

God helps us know Him, His Word (the Bible), and His voice.

A prayer: God, help me to know You. Here I am, listening. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.