Hearing His Voice #148

I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?”

Isaiah 6:8

In Acts, we see the leaders in Antioch “ministering to the Lord” (Acts 13:2, NASB) when God gave them instructions that would shape church history forever. In Revelation, we see John “worshiping in the Spirit” when he heard the voice like a trumpet (Revelation 1:10). In Isaiah, we see the prophet hearing God’s questions in the midst of a dramatic vision in the Temple—the place of worship. There seems to be a correlation between our worship and our ability to hear.

This is no surprise. Worship often leads us to an encounter with God and virtually always follows one. And when we encounter God, we not only sense His presence, we also hear His voice. So it stands to reason that when we worship—when we fill our mouths and hearts with His praises—we cultivate an environment in which we encounter God, pick up on His heartbeat, and perceive His words. Certain attitudes create an optimal atmosphere for experiencing God, much like a greenhouse creates a climate in which plants can flourish even amid a harsh, wintry landscape. Worship is first among these attitudes. Not only is it our hearts’ right and good expression of adoration, but it also brings us benefits. When our lives reflect God’s glory through our affection for Him, we begin to hear Him better.

Cultivate the attitudes that open your ears, and begin with worship. Praise God in all circumstances, even the hard ones. There are few things more difficult than worshiping when life seems to be going against you, but there’s hardly anything ultimately more rewarding. Everything—heart, mind, soul, and spirit—opens up to the Spirit of God in an atmosphere of worship. Whatever it takes, develop that atmosphere.

Holy God, You are glorious, majestic, and beautiful. I adore Your heart—and Your willingness to share it with me. Let me live with a strong sense of Your presence, an atmosphere in which Your words are abundant and clear. Open my heart and my ears to hear You.