Friday, December 31, 2021
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you. Psalm 32:8-9
When You Don’t Hear Anything
There are those moments in life when silence is golden. Then there are those moments in life when silence is deafening, and even excruciating. Those moments come when we are seeking God earnestly with all our heart and get nothing in return. Your heart is right, your prayers are right on and you are on your knees pleading for His guidance, but still you do not feel the presence of God, you do not sense His direction and you feel like He has forgotten about you.
Don’t despair or give up on God. He is there, even when it feels like he isn’t. He loves you and knows what is best, especially when you don’t, and if His doesn’t answer you as quickly as you think He should, maybe He has a reason. Maybe He is working on something or someone. His time is not our time and when the silence is deafening, listen harder. It is coming eventually, but be sure you are listening to the right voice!
We all have friends who love us so much they want to fix our lives for us. Their answer may not be the answer God has for you. It may be Biblical, good, solid, sound Christian advice, but it still may not be what God wants you to do in your particular situation. You have to discern. You have to keep seeking and keep your focus on God and what He leads you to do. Study the Bible, pray and listen.
He Speaks
You will hear God speaking to you in that still, small voice that prompts you in your spirit. But, how do you know it is God who is speaking to you? God has given us some direction as to how we can determine His voice from any others we may hear which may come from well friends who love us. These confirmations will strengthen our faith and enable us to hear God more clearly as we grow in our faith.
How do you know God is speaking to you? - The Tests
The first test is the confirmation of God's written Word - the Bible. Everything that God says will agree with His written Word. He will never tell you to sin or go against a teaching in His Word. This simple test can clarify many "messages." We must, however, be careful not to read the written Word with any preconceived ideas of what it is saying.
The second test is the confirmation of godly counsel. God has placed people in our lives to help us to hear His voice. These people may include pastors, teachers, parents, and godly friends. In most cases, they will confirm the voice of God to you and help you to see His plan. This is not to say that you should rely on them solely. These people are human and can have their own feelings and fears distort their objectivity. However, they can be a very valuable source of confirmation when you are uncertain of God's voice.
The third test is the confirmation through circumstances. Christians can carefully study their situation for indications of God's will. Come to God with a humble attitude and not a spirit of testing Him. Pray for God to reveal His will and carefully watch the circumstances that relate to that decision.
Wait expectantly- He will be faithful. The answer is coming. Be ready to accept the answer he gives you. Be open to His guidance. Accept His love and perfect will for your life.
