Day 85 — Actively Listening To God
1 Chronicles 14: 10-11 and 13-16, The Message
David prayed to God: “Is this the right time to attack the Philistines? Will you give me victory?”
God answered, “Attack; I’ll give you the victory.”
David attacked at Baal Perazim and slaughtered them. David said, “God exploded my enemies, as water explodes from a burst pipe.” And then the Philistines were back at it again, plundering in the valley. David again prayed to God. God answered, “This time don’t attack head-on; circle around and come at them out of the balsam grove. When you hear a sound like shuffling feet in the tops of the balsams, attack; God will be two steps ahead of you, slaughtering the Philistines.”
David did exactly as God commanded.
David had a conversational relationship with God. When the Philistines came to war against him he inquired of God what he should do, probably by standing before the ark of God. God gives David specific directions for what to do, he is not left to wonder about the meaning of impulses. God is not a mumbling trickster. On the contrary, if God wants us to know something he will tells us plainly, as long as we are open and prepared to hear and obey.
We can actively and constantly listen to God by: -
Doing what we know to be morally right wherever we can.
Meditating on God’s principles for life as set out in Scripture. Be still each day with God.
Paying close attention to what is happening in our life for God’s communications in our hearts and minds.
Praying and speaking with God constantly and specifically about all matters that concern us. People who desire to hear God will want to hear when life is uneventful just as much as when they are facing trouble or a big decision.
Listening carefully and deliberately for God, paying close attention to what we hear. Have regular times for listening each day as well as listening throughout your day. Write down what God may be saying. Consider discussing the matter with others. If you are unsure you can ask God for confirmation, as Gideon did.
If God does not speak on the matter concerned, ask God if there is anything in you preventing him from speaking. Take counsel from a few others. Correct any causes for why God’s word could not come. If there is no hindrance to God speaking, act in the way that seems best to you. God may simply want us to make the decision.
God may not solve all our problems but as we listen he will show us how to stand up with him and count for something in his world.
Prayer — Lord, I need to know what you want me to do, and I am listening. Please speak to me through my friends, scripture, books, the media I read, and through circumstances.
Jonny Pearson