May 17, Hear Him (part 2)

The question I have most often been asked in my role as pastor is, 

“how can I know when it is God speaking or when it is simply my own voice and thoughts?”  

Great question!  How can anyone avoid passing off personal thoughts as a specific word from God?  

Consider this parable-like explanation: 

“It's like the child who was told by his father during a symphony orchestra concert, ‘Listen for the flutes in this song. Don't they sound beautiful?’ The child, unable to distinguish the flutes, looks up at his father with a puzzled look, ‘What flutes, father?’

The child first needs to learn what flutes sound like on their own, separate from the whole orchestra, before he is able to hear them in a symphony. So it is with us as children of God. Unless we take the time to hear His voice in the quiet moments of life, we will not be able to hear him in the symphony sounds of life.”[1] 

We must daily tune our ears to hear God's voice.  Frederick. B. Myer, Baptist pastor and evangelist in England, and a friend to Dwight L. Moody, offers this explanation:

“God’s impressions within and His Word without are always corroborated by His providence around, and we should quietly wait until those focus into one point . . . if you do not know what to do, stand still until you do.”[2]  

The landscape of classic and modern writings is replete with suggestions on how to hear God’s voice.  And, many such emphases can become like formulas exercised as one might approach physical training or cramming for a final exam – rushing through simple steps as if to minimize the importance of the process for the sake of the end goal.  But what I love about Myer’s explanation is the emphasis of the relationship along with the priority of God’s Holy Scriptures.  When seeking to hear from God, the process is not simply a way to the goal; the process of being postured to listen to God is the goal.    

The relationship one has with God is only through faith in Jesus.  This relationship becomes sealed in one’s soul through the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13).  So, every believer in Jesus has been made alive in the spirit (I Peter 3:18) and can commune with God inwardly.  Such communion becomes the foundation for communications with God.    

The relationship one has with the Word of God is more deeply understood from such descriptive phrases as “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:115).  Also, the personal significance of God’s Word becomes more fully understood through such life changing testimonies as that of Timothy:

“And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:15-17)

In Jesus’ final moments before His ascension, He “opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:45).  And through the Holy Spirit the same supernatural assistance is ours at this very moment.  Therefore, God’s Word becomes the necessary direction and guidance for the life of faith. 

So, the Holy Spirit within, and the Word of God without (meaning the tangible copy of God’s Holy Counsel before you) becomes the only sure way to tune your spiritual ears (your soul and mind) to the voice of God.  And, as you set your attention to Him, understand that the relationship with the Father, through the Son, and in the Spirit should be your ultimate pursuit every day.  So, as you desire God’s divine direction, and as strive to avoid confusing your own ideas, thoughts, and inclinations for what He has said, pursue the relationship more than you pursue the next insight or answer.  Train your heart to listen!  Only then can God’s voice begin to be understood.  His Spirit! His Word!  Jesus promised both to His disciples, and we can fully depend upon both today (John 14:26).  

Walk by faith in Jesus through dependence upon the Holy Spirit and God’s Holy Word.  As you pay attention to both, you will indeed walk more intently in His presence.  And, at the end of the day, that becomes the true satisfaction of the soul.     

Blessings.

[1] Stephen Macchia, Becoming a Healthy Church (Baker Books, 1999), p.6

[2] F. B. Myer, The Secret of Guidance (Chicago: Moody Press), 18.