“One day as they were worshipping God . . the Holy Spirit spoke.” Acts 13:2 The Message
“A worshipping heart is the most important key to hearing God.”
My thoughts today are about “hearing God.”
Does God speak to people? Does God speak to people today? Does God speak to ordinary people about every day things? Yes, He does. He speaks through His Word, the Bible. He also speaks inwardly to your spirit in gentle promptings that your heart often recognizes as something beyond your own thoughts or ideas.
But not every one hears God, because not everyone is interested or listening. And not everyone who hears God hears Him correctly. In Scripture, God spoke and those standing by thought that it “thundered.” And not everyone who hears God correctly obeys Him fully.
Some don’t feel any need to hear what God has to say. Others don’t take the time necessary to hear what God is saying. A few don’t hear God any more because they wouldn’t obey the last time God spoke to them. But those who love and follow God’s voice will walk in unusual wisdom and blessing.
The Bible tells you how people hear God’s voice and respond in faith and obedience. Consider Mary, the young Jewish teenager who became God’s way to enter our world. When she heard, she responded, “Let it be unto me according to your word.” Luke 1:38. A heart of submission and trust is a key to hearing God. Understand this, God speaks to include you in what He is doing in your world, not for your amusement or information.
When God spoke to Samuel, a young boy serving in the Temple, he responded, “Speak Lord, your servant hears.” 1 Samuel 3:11. Samuel’s words express his readiness to obey. I find it interesting that the Greek word “obey” is “hupokoe” and comes from the root word “to hear.” That’s why parents often ask a child being slow to obey, “Did you hear me?” The assumption is that if you hear, you will obey. You won’t continue to hear God if you have a history of ignoring Him when He speaks. Willingness to obey promptly is central to your hearing God.
Today’s verse tells you where and when you will best hear God speak. “One day as they were worshipping God, the Holy Spirit spoke.” Acts 13: 2. A worshipping heart is the most important key to hearing God, and knowing His plans, and what you are to do to be a part of that. People who take time to be with God, and express their love and joy in their personal relationship with Him will more frequently understand when and what He speaks.
My prayer for you today is that you take time to listen with a heart to readily obey.