Today I'm in the very last chapter of Isaiah, 66:1-6. Let's listen up to what God has to say to us through the closing oracles of the ministry of this great prophet. Read it through two or three times and reflect. The Holy Spirit is applying this thought on my heart about what kind of person I will be, as I must choose between two types :
These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word. (v. 2)
Or the opposite group:
So I also will choose harsh treatment for them and will bring upon them what they dread. For when I called, no one answered, when I spoke, no one listened. (v. 4)
God is impressing me with the importance of listening to him. Really listening. In the final analysis, my life will be shaped and judged by how open and responsive I am to the word of God. He is always speaking. The question is whether I'm listening. I either am or I'm not, and it matters more than anything else in the world when it comes to where my choices are taking me in life.
Isn't it irritating when you keep trying to call someone day after day and they never answer their phone and they never call you back? I know that today's "smart" phones are for just about everything except making phone calls, but at some point I draw the conclusion that the person I'm calling really doesn't want to talk to me. And that's okay. They will be fine without me. But I know that I can't do without God. And God is actually saying to people, "I'm calling but you're not picking up. I'm speaking but you're ignoring me. I'm ringing the bell and you're leaving me standing there on the porch."
I don't want to be that person. I don't want the consequences that come when I'm barging my way through life without God's guidance. Been there, done that. It's not pretty. I've always wanted God to think highly of me. I want to feel his favor on me. But what does that take? It's pretty simple, God says: "Be humble. Be fully aware that you are not self-sufficient or sin-free. Recognize me as the source of life and mercy. Keep off your high horse and listen carefully to what I say. Respect my word and take it to heart. Just be responsive to my voice. I will lead you in the right direction."
Lord, forgive me for the times when I haven't listened to you carefully enough or sought out your voice before I acted. Your word is vital to my well-being. I realize that! Day or night, I will always take your calls. Thank you for speaking to me through your written word as well. I value it so highly as your most consistent voice in my life. Today I want to remove any filters that I've been putting on your messages to me--filters of fear, pride, worry, selfishness. I'm clearing the channel! There's no one I'd rather hear from than you, God! Amen.
If you're blessed by this blog would you mind sending the link to some friends and family that might also enjoy it? Thank you! Share the good stuff in life! That would include sharing your thoughts from this text below.
Listening for God, interesting thought. Some say that he speaks only through the Bible. What do you think? How do we know it is God speaking to us, or maybe we are just fooling ourselves into thinking it is his leading? How about some thoughts you might share on this? Do I just trust how I feel about it?
ReplyDeleteGood questions! Ones that I have often times pondered myself. I have a really hard time being still and just listening!! God will sometimes bring a thought or topic to my attention more than once and then confirm it when I'm in his Word. Other times, God will speak to me through people. When I'm not sure if it is God's voice, I will ask him to guide me and stop me if I am stepping out of his will by doing what I think he is leading me to do. I believe that God knows our hearts and if we are sincere in seeking him, he will ultimately make himself very clear to us. I think God can speak to us any way he chooses and he knows what way will best get our attention.
ReplyDeleteMichele
I have felt the very way Chris describes in this passage, especially being new to the area: Am I forcing a friendship (or ANY type of relationship)that just isn't there? Am I trying too hard to overcome my own fears of rejection? Do I continue to TRY to get to know someone when it is clear they have no interest in a real Godly friendship?
ReplyDeleteI lay it in God's hands. I will be me, and if in return, I am blessed by people's friendship, then I know that I am accepted for me. I believe that God speaks to us in many, many ways... yes through the Bible, but He uses people as well... He can use anything. And has............. and will continue to do so to the ears that are turned to Him and seeking Him. Have I ever heard the audible voice of God, no. But I believe He speaks to me every day I am willing to hear. Many a day starts out with "God who will you have me pray for"? and someone, usually not someone that I would choose, comes to my mind. Whether I want to or not is not the issue any longer. God brings this person to my mind for prayer, not Kristal's will, but God's will.
Doesn't it seem odd to some how they "ran into" just the "right" person who told them something they needed to hear? That is God. The friendly face, encouraging word or shoulder to cry on.. That is God. God speaks to many people many different ways. I thank You Lord, I trust in You Lord, I worship You Lord.
K