How can we "listen" to God's voice in our daily lives today? Setting the scene in Psalm 81 “ ‘Hear, O My people, and I will admonish you: O Israel, if you would listen to Me!’ ” (Psalm 81:8). In this single verse God’s heart is on display—He yearns for His people to lean in, receive His counsel, and walk in the blessing that follows obedience. The invitation did not expire with ancient Israel; it still echoes today. God still speaks today Scripture shows that the God who spoke at creation (Genesis 1) and through prophets (Hebrews 1:1) continues to address His children: • “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27). • “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15). God’s voice is not limited to audible words; He communicates through His written Word, His Spirit, His providence, and His people. Ways to tune our ears • Immersing ourselves in Scripture – God’s primary, unfailing channel. “All Scripture is God-breathed … so that the man of God may be complete” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). – Read thoughtfully, memorizing and meditating until His thoughts reshape ours. • Prayerful reflection – Listening prayer means lingering in silence after bringing our requests, allowing the “still, small voice” (1 Kings 19:12) to impress truth on our hearts. – Journaling insights can reinforce what the Spirit highlights. • Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit – “All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” (Romans 8:14). – Promptings often align with Scripture, convict of sin, and urge loving action. • Godly counsel – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). – Trusted believers can confirm or correct what we sense God saying. • Observing creation and providence – “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1-2). – Daily circumstances, open or closed doors, and evident blessings can signal His guidance when interpreted through Scripture. • Immediate, willing obedience – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). – Obedience sharpens spiritual hearing; resistance dulls it. Hindrances to hearing • Cherished sin: rebellion stifles fellowship. • Noise overload: constant media and busyness drown out the whisper of God. • Doubt and unbelief: questioning His goodness or presence can harden the heart. • Selective listening: embracing pleasant passages while ignoring corrective ones. Cultivating a lifelong posture of listening • Schedule unhurried daily time with Scripture and prayer. • Practice Sabbath rhythms—regular moments of rest invite attentiveness. • Keep short accounts with God; confess sin promptly. • Surround yourself with worship that exalts His Word and character. • Celebrate past instances of hearing and obeying—gratitude nurtures expectancy. Encouragement from other Scriptures • Isaiah 30:21: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: ‘This is the way; walk in it.’ ” • Psalm 32:8: “I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.” God delights to guide His people. As we heed Psalm 81:8, leaning in with humble, obedient hearts, we will discover that His voice is clear, faithful, and life-giving day after day. |
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