In what ways can we be more attentive to God's messages in our lives? The Scene on the Wall “Then the watchman saw another man running, and he called out to the gatekeeper, ‘Look! Another man is running alone!’ ‘He too must be bringing good news,’ said the king.” (2 Samuel 18:26) The watchman’s alert eyes caught every movement on the horizon. He recognized the single runner and immediately reported what he saw. His readiness illustrates the heart of a believer who longs to catch every message the Lord sends. Why This Moment Matters • The city’s safety depended on an attentive watchman. • The king relied on accurate, timely news. • A single distracted moment could have meant disaster. Likewise, our spiritual vigilance determines how clearly we receive God’s guidance. Lessons on Attentiveness • Stay Positioned: The watchman remained on the wall. We must remain in places—church, Scripture, fellowship—where God’s voice is clear. • Look Intentionally: He peered into the distance, expecting movement. Expectation fuels perception. • Respond Immediately: As soon as he saw the runner, he spoke. Timely obedience matters. • Discern the Message: He recognized the runner as a messenger, not an enemy. We discern God’s voice amid life’s noise. Practical Steps to Listen • Start Each Day on the Wall – Set aside unrushed time in the Word (Psalm 119:105). – Invite the Spirit’s illumination (John 16:13). • Train Your Ear – Read Scripture aloud; faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17). – Memorize key verses, letting them echo throughout the day (Psalm 119:11). • Guard Against Distraction – Limit voices that dull spiritual sensitivity (1 Corinthians 15:33). – Practice Sabbath rhythms; silence sharpens hearing (Mark 6:31). • Act on What You Hear – Obedience clarifies future direction (John 14:21). – Journal answered prayers to reinforce recognition of God’s hand. • Stay in Community – Wise counsel confirms messages (Proverbs 11:14). – Corporate worship tunes hearts together (Colossians 3:16). Confirming Through Scripture • Habakkuk 2:1—“I will stand at my guard post… and see what He will say to me.” • 1 Samuel 3:10—“Speak, for Your servant is listening.” • Mark 4:24—“Consider carefully what you hear.” • John 10:27—“My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” • James 1:22—“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” Maintaining Watchfulness Daily • Keep the wall—consistency is key. • Keep the eyes—anticipate God’s nearness in every circumstance. • Keep the voice—share what He shows; testimony strengthens attentiveness. As the watchman scanned the horizon for runners, so we fix our eyes on the Lord, alert to every movement of His Spirit and ready to receive the good news He sends. |
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