Listening to God

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We were designed for relationship with God and others, relationships require communication. As we learn to listen to God, we learn to recognize His voice.

In 1 Kings 19:11-13, Elijah expects to encounter the presence of God within the incredible demonstrations of HIs power. Instead of the whirlwind, earthquake, or fire; God's presence is found in a "still, small voice" - a gentle whisper. Like a child who learns their mother's voice in the womb, and learns to listen and understand as they grow; something similar happens as we grow in Christ and recognize the voice of the Father. While God can speak audibly, in visions, in dreams, and other means; often we "hear" God's voice as an inner sense we experience.

Dallas Willard describes this as a "Direct impression on a person’s consciousness, usually expressed as a thought, with a certain force and weight, occuring in a person’s mind.”

As we engage with scripture, enlivened by the Holy Spirit, and with Christ at the center - we begin to learn what the voice of God sounds like. We are invited into the daily moments of our day, anticipating our interactions with God as we experience His presence with us. His voice doesn't shame, holds inherent authority, and produces fruit in our lives.

Entering this new week learning and leaning in to listening to God, I invite you to keep this short prayer in mind: "Speak O Lord, your friend is listening." May we each have ears to hear what He has to share with us.