Hearing His Voice #166

The LORD replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.”

Exodus 33:14

Many people assume that God’s voice will be negative and judging. Perhaps the Old Testament prophets, most of whom ministered during times of national correction and chastisement, have become such an embodiment of God’s voice that any other message sounds un-Godlike. In that context, the filter through which we hear Him allows for rebuke but not for encouragement, unless the encouragement happens to be a “one day in heaven” or “at least I saved you from your sin” sort of message—the big-picture consolation that defers hope until later. But help for today’s crisis or affirmation for doing well? Many people don’t have ears to hear such things.

But God is a God of comfort and encouragement and presence. He is Lord of the “right now” as well as the “one day.” Scripture gives us these uplifting messages too, and God takes much more delight in empowering and affirming us than He does in correcting and rebuking. He’ll do both, but even His hardest words are cushioned with grace and hope. That accusing voice that is always rebuking us comes from an entirely different source. God wants to lift us up.

That was His message to Moses—“I’m with you, I’ll give you rest, and everything will be fine”—and it’s His message to us as well. The New Testament makes it clear that His presence is with us, in us, and through us, and it’s more profound and commonly enjoyed than it was in Moses’ life. The Spirit dwells within, all of the promises of God are “yes and amen” in Christ, and we are a new creation enabled to relate to Him intimately. This is the context in which we hear His voice. And it will almost always be deeply encouraging.

Lord, my ears are much more attuned to convicting messages than to affirming ones, but I need plenty of encouragement. Please show me Your smile and let me hear Your uplifting words. I know Your plans for me are good, and I welcome Your sharing them with me often.