Dear Church,

Most people wait until their house is on fire to seek God for their specific need.  Honestly, this is like going to the top of a double black diamond at Killington, on your very first day of skiing because you want to learn how to ski.  This is an unrealistic expectation. Not that God won’t answer you but it’s a pretty scary place to be.  The truth is our practical, day-to-today life and experiences are meant to be centered in a conversational intimacy with God.  God designed our life in such a way that we can’t live as believers without abiding in Him and having this kind of conversation intimacy.  The entire bible, Genesis to Revelation is an accurate record of God speaking with His people. 

“Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; so, David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?” The Lord answered him, “Go, for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hands.” So, David went to Baal Perazim, and there he defeated them… Once more the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; so, David inquired of the Lord, and he answered, “Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the poplar trees… So David did as the Lord commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.” (2 Samuel 5:18-25)

David inquired. The Lord answered.  In all reality we, who are bearers of His Spirit should be in more intimate communion with God, this should actually be our normal mode. “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)  Call to me and I will answer you and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. (Jeremiah 33:3)  “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. (Matthew 7:24)  “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5)

Hearing the voice of God — and having confidence in what you have heard — requires a quiet and relaxed posture of the soul.  It is reading his revealed word, the scriptures and listening to Him.  It is listening to mature believers in the house of faith who are in daily conversations with God.  It’s sometimes to make amends to the direction our life is going even when it hurts to do so.  Speak to God daily. Listen to Him daily.  Give thanks daily.  Rejoice in Him daily.

Be Encouraged,
Mathews