The Voice of God
When people have a big decision to make and need some guidance they often want to hear words of wisdom directly from God.
Acts 22.30-23.11
Reference: v.11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome." (NIV Bible)
Explore: Many people are desperate to hear the Lord speak to them. Often at a time when people have a big decision to make and need some guidance, their desire to follow 'God's will' makes them want to hear words of wisdom directly from God.
I rarely hear God speak to me. There have been occasions when I have thought words that I knew were beyond me, and sometimes received ideas that were better than I could ever come up with! At these times I see this as the Holy Spirit communicating through me.
More often I will experience God through His creation. Whether it's the intricate design of a tree or a conversation I have with a friend, I can often feel more of an emotion from God rather than direct words. And as I read the Bible sometimes a particular verse or word will jump out at me and it will connect with how I am feeling or what I have been searching for.
Application: We may hear other people talk about a situation when God had spoken to them and we get the feeling that God speaks to everyone except for us! However I think these occasions are quite rare and sacred. In all the missionary work Paul did in spreading the message that Jesus is Lord he very rarely heard the voice of God clearly.
As we follow God we certainly must be open to His prompting and His guidance. However let us not reduce our communication between God with just words. God's fingerprints are through all of creation. May we be open to experiencing His closeness through each daily experience.
Prayer: Lord, you promise to be with us always. Sometimes we do feel distant from you and that you are not communicating clearly to us. Help us to be patient and notice your presence wherever we are. Amen.
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.