Hearing His Voice #51

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:105

Many of us have experienced an interesting phenomenon. While we are reading God’s Word, a certain verse—or maybe even just a word or a phrase—will suddenly come alive, as if it were printed in neon lights. Or a verse or passage quoted audibly will suddenly sound much louder than all the other words before and after. It rings in the depths of our spirits, as if highlighted for a specific purpose. It speaks directly and powerfully.

All of Scripture speaks to us, of course, but sometimes God has specific guidance or encouragement for a particular situation or season. When we read or listen with an open spirit—a heart that is ready to hear—He will magnify portions of His written Word and apply them directly to our lives. Psalm 119 extols the benefits of Scripture—its teachings revive us, keep us from sin, encourage us, show us His ways, and so on—but it also tells us that we can receive specific light for our next step. As we read the Bible, the Holy Spirit will often illumine His thoughts and engage us in a specific conversation. When we listen to the written Word, we may hear it as an inner voice.

It is futile to think of hearing God on a regular basis outside of Scripture, without also listening for Him within it. This is where He has already spoken perfectly, revealing His general, eternal purposes and His ways with His people. Words that were inspired long ago still resound as we read or listen to them now. And, if we ask—and sometimes even when we don’t—they will jump off the page and into our hearts. In those moments, we will know we have heard the voice of the living God.

Father, as I come to Your Word, speak to me. Make Your words—specific, applicable, direct words—a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Shine Your light very specifically on exactly what You want me to hear.