Hearing God’s Voice

Have you ever felt, “If I just prayed more often, or harder…I’d get closer to God and be able to hear His voice…?” I know I have – just this morning as a matter of fact. But then I read this Bible verse, “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show Myself to him.” John 14:21 NIV (emphasis mine)

Suddenly I realized there is a PROMISE here! The Bible says God will reveal Himself to those who love Him and the way God knows we love Him is by obeying His commands.

There is no formula, or ritual, or rules on how/when/how hard to pray…it’s about a relationship that boils down to one question: Do I trust God? Can I trust God with my life, my family, my career, a job loss, my children, finances, sickness, finding a new home…whatever I need Him for at this very moment?

His commands are designed, not to keep us away from something, but rather to lead us each into our own ‘promised land.’ When we commit ourselves to following Him, to staying on the right path, we have positioned ourselves where we can both see Him and hear His voice. Do you want to be closer to God? Do you have God’s commands written on your heart? They hold the key to hearing God’s voice. In Matthew 22:37, Jesus spells out for us God’s greatest commandment, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (NIV)

It’s all about the relationship. It always has been. Because God, out of His deep love for us, gave us everything – even the life of His very own Son – are we willing to trust God enough to obey His Word? Not just the parts we’re willing to accept but all of it?

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Isaiah 30:21 NIV

Shadia Hrichi

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