Why wouldn't you want to hear from God?
“You are always telling me what I don't want to hear!” shouted one of my children after being asked to change their attitude. My children have also been known to put their hands over their ears and close their eyes pretending I am not there when I am giving one of my famous fatherly lectures. That does tend to raise the stakes when I am already cross with them. As a child of God I know that I can respond the same way to hearing from God. Sometimes it is just easier to pretend He is not there, especially if I perceive He is wanting to tell me something I don't want to hear.
While some may try to convince us that COVID-19 is a strong rebuttal from God, not all of God’s communication with me is about telling me off or the need to change my attitude or tidy my bedroom (unless He is speaking directly through my wife that is).
A lot of what God does say to me and wants to say to me (when I am listening) is positively affirming, life-giving, hope-filling, love-abounding and quite frankly life-transforming. Predominantly this happens for me through the engagement I have with God through His Word the Bible and the associated times of prayer that flow out of spending time reading, meditating, reflecting and seeking ways to apply what I have read.
What better opportunity while some of life’s routine activities are on hold to be more intentional about hearing from God. What does He want to reveal about Himself at this time?
We usually can't wait to hear from those we love and who we know love us. Remember those long phone calls and romantic walks from your dating days, spending hours getting to know each other, listening and talking? It wasn't a chore or a task to get through. It was relationship-building motivated by love.
God is worth knowing and hearing from — I know that from what I have read about Him and discovered from reading His Word the Bible. I want to hear from God because I love Him deeply and desire the privilege of growing a closer relationship with Him. Wow — why wouldn't you want an intimate relationship with GOD Himself? No brainer, especially when there are no physical distancing restrictions on a God who is already everywhere!
What I have discovered is that it’s not just a want but an absolute need to hear from Him…
I need to hear from God because I am a complex broken mix of pride, selfishness, sinfulness, insecurity and anxiety — and that is on a good day. (Please don't tell anyone as I worry what that will do to my pride).
I need to read the Bible and pray to hear from God because as a committed Christian I have dedicated my life to living for God and not myself. I am under new management. This journey started when I heard the Word of God and was convicted of my sin and need for a Saviour. This journey continues as I receive the assurance from God every day that by faith I have received God’s acceptance, unconditional grace and forgiveness.
I need to hear from God that when I fail, He continues to love me.
I need to hear from God that when life doesn't make sense, He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow — He is still in control and can be completely trusted even in the midst of a virus outbreak.
I need to hear from God that there is hope beyond this sometimes sad, confusing and unsatisfying life.
I need to hear that my life has a higher purpose in God and that He equips me for that.
I need to hear God’s desire to transform me and fill me with His Spirit.
I also need to hear, not once but regularly, that I’m not more important than anyone else and that it’s not all about me.
I need to hear God’s heart for those around me — so His heart becomes mine.
I need to hear how generous and giving God is — so I am prompted to be the same.
I need to hear His loving correction and discipline — because this shows me how much He cares and wants the best for me.
Is all this one-way traffic like merely listening to a podcast from God? No, I need to hear how much God wants to hear from me too. He wants to hear my praise, adoration, thankfulness, my ”sorry”, my questions, complaints, needs and cares.
I love the imagery of Ezekiel Chapter 37 about how God breathes life back into the dry bones in the valley. That is what His living Word by His Spirit does for me.
Why wouldn’t you take a drink of cool water on a hot day? It is refreshing!
Why wouldn’t you seek the advice of a loved one (when you are scared)? It is comforting!
Why wouldn't you eat your favourite food if you had a choice? It brings joy!
Why wouldn't you receive an amazing gift from a loved one? It grows love!
Why wouldn't you want to hear from God? Mmm, I really can't think why not, and any excuses I might have thought up now seem rather pathetic. “What do you think, God? I know your isolation bubble has no limits. Let’s chat! ”
When I wake in the morning and my head floods with a long ‘to do’ list and my anxiety levels rise, I need to open the Bible, meet with God and allow Him to centre my life in Him and give me His perspective. I need to start each day knowing it is a precious gift from Him and that His presence and love goes into each day with me no matter the circumstances I face.
I want it.
I need it.
I love it!
“God, here I am, your servant - I am listening. Oh by the way, please help me to act on what you say, but I am going to need your help with that.”
“Dry bones hear the Word of the Lord.” Ezekiel 37:4