What steps can we take to better heed God's voice in our lives? Heeding the Tune – Setting the Context Psalm 58:5 paints a vivid picture of a cobra that “will not heed the tune of the charmer, however skillful the enchanter may be.” The serpent’s deliberate deafness mirrors the human tendency to tune out the Lord. Scripture calls believers to the opposite posture: open-eared attentiveness to God’s voice. Step 1: Adopt a Submissive Heart • James 4:7 — “Submit yourselves therefore to God.” • Submission positions the inner ear to receive instruction instead of resisting it. • Daily surrender of plans, opinions, and preferences keeps pride from blocking divine direction. Step 2: Immerse Yourself in God’s Word • Colossians 3:16 — “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” • John 10:27 — “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” • Consistent reading, memorizing, and meditating on Scripture trains discernment; the more familiar the Shepherd’s words, the easier His voice is recognized. Step 3: Make Space for Silence • Psalm 46:10 — “Be still, and know that I am God.” • Periods of quiet unclutter the mind, allowing gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit to surface. • Turning off screens, stepping outside, or sitting quietly with an open Bible cultivates a listening atmosphere. Step 4: Obey Immediately • Luke 11:28 — “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” • Delayed obedience dulls sensitivity; prompt obedience sharpens it. • Small acts—apologizing quickly, giving generously, speaking truthfully—reinforce responsiveness. Step 5: Keep the Heart Tender • Hebrews 3:7-8 — “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” • Regular confession sweeps away build-ups of sin that create spiritual calluses. • Gratitude and worship soften the heart, maintaining pliability. Step 6: Filter Every Impression through Scripture • 1 Thessalonians 5:21 — “Test all things. Hold fast to what is good.” • God’s voice never contradicts His written word; impressions that clash with Scripture are rejected. • Wise evaluation guards against deception while preserving openness. Step 7: Stay Accountable within Christ’s Body • Proverbs 11:14 — “With many counselors there is safety.” • Mature believers confirm or correct perceived guidance, providing clarity and protection. • Shared testimonies of obedience encourage a culture of collective attentiveness. Living Attentively Each Day The cobra of Psalm 58 refuses the charmer’s tune; followers of Christ choose the opposite path. By submitting humbly, saturating minds with Scripture, embracing quiet, obeying swiftly, guarding tenderness, testing every leading by the Word, and walking in community, believers cultivate alert ears. The result is a life attuned to the steadfast, trustworthy voice of God. |
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