What practical steps can we take to listen to God's voice today? Setting the Scene: Exodus 20:19 “‘Speak to us yourself and we will listen,’ they said to Moses, ‘but do not let God speak to us, lest we die.’” Why the People Pulled Back, Why We Lean In • At Sinai, the awesome voice of God filled the mountain with fire, thunder, and trumpet blasts—overwhelming to sinful hearts. • Today, the same holy God invites us near through the finished work of Christ (Hebrews 12:18-24). Because the curtain is torn, we no longer shrink back; we draw near (Hebrews 4:16). Practical Step 1: Come Near through Christ • Salvation is the doorway to hearing: “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27) • Daily reaffirm the Gospel: confess sin, rest in grace, and approach God as a beloved child, not a distant spectator. Practical Step 2: Quiet the Noise • God often speaks in whispers (1 Kings 19:12). • Create still moments: – Set phone aside during devotion. – Take regular walks without headphones. – Practice short pauses throughout the day: “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) Practical Step 3: Delight in Scripture • The clearest voice of God is His written Word: “All Scripture is God-breathed.” (2 Timothy 3:16) • Tips: – Read systematically—book by book—so the full counsel shapes you. – Read slowly—linger over verbs and promises. – Read expectantly—ask, “What does God reveal about Himself here?” Practical Step 4: Cultivate Ongoing Prayer • Listening prayer is two-way conversation: “Call to Me and I will answer you.” (Jeremiah 33:3) • Suggestions: – Begin with praise; it tunes the heart. – Pray Scripture back to God. – Sit in silence after speaking, allowing the Spirit to impress truth. Practical Step 5: Yield in Obedience • God rarely adds light where we ignore the light we have: “Be doers of the word and not hearers only.” (James 1:22) • Keep a journal: note commands, promptings, and answered steps. Obedience sharpens spiritual hearing. Practical Step 6: Submit to Godly Counsel • The Spirit speaks through the body of Christ: “In an abundance of counselors there is victory.” (Proverbs 11:14) • Invite mature believers to weigh in on decisions, especially when emotions run high. Practical Step 7: Test Every Impression • Not every inner nudge is divine: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits.” (1 John 4:1) • Testing grid: – Does it align with Scripture? (Galatians 1:8) – Does it exalt Christ? (John 16:14) – Does it bear good fruit? (Matthew 7:17) – Does it bring God’s peace? (Colossians 3:15) Living Out the Lesson Today • The Israelites feared direct contact with God, yet through Jesus we are invited into the very presence they dreaded. • As we draw near, quiet distractions, immerse in Scripture, pray continually, obey promptly, seek counsel, and test impressions, we position ourselves to hear the same Holy Voice—now not in terror, but in covenant love. |
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