Thursday, June 7, 2012

Does God Still Speak to the Listening Heart?

            I recently heard someone say, “God does not speak to people.” What are we to do with the promise in the Bible that has guided my life for the last 25 years? God spoke to my heart through his word in Isaiah 55:3: “Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live.” Through this verse God revolutionized my entire life. Have you heard it before? Do you believe it?
Over the years of walking with Jesus, I have discovered countless promises that prove God still speaks to the listening heart, for instance Psalm 19:1-4 (NLT). “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.”

And then of course there are the words of our precious Lord and Savior in John 10:14-15; 27-28 (NIV). “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.”

Yes, God’s voice may not be audible, but we can hear Him. Conversations with Him parallel talking with people; just like with friends and loved ones, to hear God’s voice takes time and investment. Only when both sides communicate and truly listen to each other, do real, lasting relationships grow. Are you and I making the investments and taking the time to listen to Him?

You may have heard the Bible described as God’s love letter written to us, His bride. Like a soldier at war who sends love-letters home to his sweetheart. How sad it would be if she left his letters on the shelf unopened. Does God still speak to the listening heart? You better believe He does! Open His letter and your life will never be the same.