Experiencing God's Presence #150

I listen carefully to what God the LORD is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people.

Psalm 85:8

Absence may make the heart grow fonder, but it certainly doesn’t do much to deepen a relationship. For us to grow closer to God, we have to have some sense of His Presence. One of the best ways to do that is to actively listen for His voice. When we can hear Him speak, our hearts are drawn close to Him. When we can’t—or don’t think we can—He seems to be a distant God.

That’s why listening carefully to Him is vital. But some Christians believe He doesn’t speak anymore, even though Psalm 85:8 and many other verses insist that He has plenty to say to His people. And many who do believe He speaks are convinced they can’t hear Him—or that if they are hearing Him, they can’t distinguish His voice from all the others. In the absence of an audible voice, they assume all impressions and promptings are created equal—that all originate within the self. Meanwhile, God’s Spirit is moving, inspiring, highlighting verses, setting up circumstances, sending signals, pouring forth knowledge, portraying parables, and prompting conversations that point to His truth for whatever season we’re in. He floods our hearts with light (Ephesians 1:18), gives wisdom and understanding (Ephesians 1:17), reminds us of truth we’ve already been told (John 14:26), and tells us what’s to come (John 16:13). And as today’s verse makes clear, “he speaks peace to his faithful people.” All we have to do is learn to recognize Him.

How do we do that? Ask. Ask again, and listen attentively. In fact, any area in which we’re listening for His voice becomes an area in which He speaks. He isn’t overly demanding or obscure. If we pursue the ability to hear, He will help us develop it.

Lord, teach me to hear. Speak in ways I can understand. Tune my heart to the subtleties of Your voice. And draw me close through what You say.

From the book