God Speaks

I haven’t received an assignment from a burning bush, a warning from a talking donkey, or a visit from an angel, but I have, in my way, heard from God.*

Through years of searching, angst, tears, and fears, I realized God was always there, patiently waiting for me. And He is waiting for you, too.

We hear God in the stillness of our hearts and minds.

As we purposely create quiet time to pray, meditate, and read the Bible, we connect to God. Through this daily practice, we get to know His voice, His guidance, and feel the comfort of His presence.

“Recognizing God’s voice is something that [we] must learn to do through [our] own personal experience and experimentation. Generally, it is much more important to cultivate the quiet, inward space of a constant listening than to always be approaching God for specific direction.” ~ Dallas Willard

“The trouble with nearly everybody who prays is that he says ‘Amen’ and runs away before God has a chance to reply. Listening to God is far more important than giving Him our ideas.” ~ Frank Laubach

“There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful, than that of a continual conversation with God; those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it.” ~ Brother Lawrence

“The essence of meditation is a period of time set aside to contemplate the Lord, listen to Him, and allow Him to permeate our spirits.” ~ Charles Stanley

God speaks through His written word.

The Bible is our instruction manual for being the best humans we can be and for living the best lives we can live. Reading books about the Bible is helpful, but reading God’s words for yourself is important. Only then will you mature in the ways God has intended for you. Certainly I can choose certain verses that I think may be helpful for you, but there may be others that reach you more personally.

Archaic language shouldn’t deter you. There are many updated versions of the Bible available. Try The New Living Translation or The Message. Recently I discovered a set of Filament paperback NLT Bible journals.** Each book covers one book of the Bible and has plenty of empty pages for writing. The books also allow you to connect to the Filament app that offers additional information and Bible study options.

“The [written] Word is the wire along with the voice of God will certainly come to you if the heart is hushed and the attention fixed.” ~ Frederick B. Meyer

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” ~ 2 Timothy 3:16

“Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.” ~ Jeremiah 33:3

God speaks through people.

We can be challenged and encouraged by a sermon, but God also sends people across our paths to do the same thing for us outside of church! In the same way, He sends people to us that need our help. Have you ever been the light of hope for a complete stranger? Did you realize at the time that God was using you to reach them with love and care?

“Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks with compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body. Christ has no body now on earth but yours.” ~ St. Teresa of Avila

As a child of God, we find our purpose in Luke 1:77-79:
“You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.”

God speaks in personal ways.

We all have the one way of communicating or learning that best reaches us. Whether by reading, conversation with a person, watching a presentation, or in my case, music!

Since I was a wee girl, music has always been my safe place. So is it any surprise that God would use music to reach me? I have written quite a few posts on this subject and I hope you click the links below to read a couple of them. You will learn some of my history, maybe spark some of your own music memories, and have a little fun with my vintage playlist!

God Talking and 80s Music
Praise: The Jesus Revolution

“But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life.” ~ Psalm 42:8

Listening to God is a lifelong pursuit.

Living for God is so exciting because we will always learn and grow. We can never be stagnant or bored because there will always be people who need love and encouragement. Yes, we will face challenging, frustrating, sad, and exhausting days ahead. But we can fully trust that, as we seek Him, God will reach us with exactly what we need, not just to survive, but to thrive!

“I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me.” ~ Psalm 16:7

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

*You can find these events in Exodus 3, Numbers 22, Luke 1.

**This is an affiliate link to Amazon. I may receive a small commission if you buy, but at no additional cost to you. Thank you!