(originally published August 19, 2011)
I’m sure you’ve heard it said that communication is a 2-way street. And if you’ve been around on this planet long enough, I’m sure you’ve figured out that’s true. In order to communicate with others effectively, you have to be able to listen, as well as to talk to them. Let’s take it a step further. In order to develop a relationship with someone (i.e., a friendship), you need to spend time with that person, communicating with them on that 2-way street. This is how we come to recognize a friend or loved-one’s voice, by frequently communicating with them.
But did you know these principles also apply with God? People have asked me, “But how can I know that it’s God talking to me, and not my own thoughts?” My answer: By spending time with God and frequently communicating with Him. How do we get to know Him (i.e., His character, what He’s like, what’s important to Him, what He expects of us)? By reading the Bible, which is His Word. How do we come to recognize His voice? By spending time with Him in prayer (i.e., communication). This would include talking to Him, just like you would talk to your best friend, but it also includes spending some time listening. Often times, He will speak to my heart when I’m reading a particular scripture. Or, when I’m speaking with others, and they might say something that immediately speaks to my heart. I can’t explain it other than to say that when this happens to me, I just know-that-I-know-that-I-know that it’s God’s voice, and not my own thoughts – because I’ve spent time with Him. You can also test what He says by the Bible. He will never say anything to you that violates His character or the principles found in scripture.
I hope that makes it a little bit easier to understand, and I hope you take some time today to spend with God and get to know Him better. Believe me when I say He will not let you down. He’s just been waiting for you to give Him your undivided attention.
Until next time, be blessed!
CHOOSE YOUR ETERNITY 