Hearing His Voice #28

I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery.

Exodus 20:2

FROM THE HEART OF GOD

“Sometimes when I speak to you, I need to remind you of what I’ve done for you. This isn’t because I’m holding it over your head. I just want you to remember the relationship we have. If you remember where we have been together, you’ll be much better prepared to trust Me for where we are going together. I want you to understand that I have created you, loved you, been patient with you, redeemed you from your captivity, listened to your prayers and answered them, provided for you, healed you, restored you, and so much more.

“Why do you need to remember these things? Because if you forget the context of our relationship, you will often hear Me through the wrong perceptions. When I give you instructions you don’t want to follow, you will feel as if I’m unfairly imposing My will on you. When I give you extravagant promises, you will question whether I’m going to carry them out. When I correct you, you will take it personally and assume that I’m angry with you rather than lovingly drawing you into freedom. When I tell you that I love you or that I’m with you, you will take My words as empty encouragement, without realizing how emphatically I’ve proven them to you. Do you see why I come to you with a reminder of who I am? You need to know, because the way you perceive Me shapes everything you hear from Me.

“I want you to hear Me without distortions from your own insecurities and wounds. Listen carefully when I remind you of who I am and what I’ve done for you. Your hurts and struggles will fade into the background as you embrace My goodness toward you. Then I can speak words of love, instruction, encouragement, correction, and guidance that will transform your life.”

Lord, let me hear You with a pure and whole heart. Cut through my distorted perceptions to help me hear the truth in Your words. Let my heart be shaped by the history of our relationship.