What actions can we take to ensure we hear God's voice like Solomon? Hearing Continues Beyond the First Encounter • 1 Kings 9:2 records, “the LORD appeared to Solomon a second time, as He had appeared to him at Gibeon.” • God delights to keep speaking; our part is to stay available. (John 10:27) • Action: Expect ongoing conversation, not a one-time event. Positioning Our Hearts for His Voice • Worship sets the stage (1 Kings 8; Psalm 29:2). • Humility invites clarity: “Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart” (1 Kings 3:9). • Practical steps – Begin each day acknowledging His rule (Proverbs 3:5-6). – Offer thanksgiving before petitions (Philippians 4:6). – Keep Scripture open; the Spirit uses His Word as the primary channel (2 Timothy 3:16). Responding in Obedience Strengthens Our Ears • God’s second word to Solomon included a call to walk “with integrity of heart and uprightness” (1 Kings 9:4). • Obedience amplifies hearing; disobedience dulls it (James 1:22). • Practical steps – Act promptly on the last clear directive God gave. – Confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9). – Serve others; love is a hearing aid (Galatians 5:13-14). Guarding Against the Noise of Compromise • Warning followed promise: “But if indeed you or your sons turn away…” (1 Kings 9:6-9). • Competing voices—idols, culture, self—muffle God’s. • Practical steps – Evaluate influences (media, friendships, ambitions). – Replace them with truth-filled inputs (Colossians 3:16). – Fast periodically from distractions to reset spiritual sensitivity. Cultivating Ongoing Communion • Solomon met God at Gibeon and again after dedicating the temple—both moments tied to prayerful communion. • Stillness matters: “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). • Practical steps – Schedule unhurried silence; listen more than you speak (1 Samuel 3:10). – Journal impressions measured against Scripture. – Celebrate confirmations—hearing grows with gratitude. Asking for Fresh Wisdom Daily • Solomon’s famous request was for wisdom (1 Kings 3:9–12); God answered and kept speaking. • We are invited to the same supply: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God” (James 1:5). • Practical steps – Pray for discernment before decisions, big or small. – Compare options with biblical principles. – Submit the outcome to God’s sovereignty, remaining teachable. Summary Actions to Hear Like Solomon • Expect ongoing dialogue. • Cultivate worshipful, humble hearts. • Obey promptly; repent quickly. • Eliminate compromising noise. • Practice stillness and record what you hear. • Ask continually for wisdom, aligning every request with God’s revealed Word. |
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