In the Scriptures, God expressed the fountain of His heart through prophetic scribes. Their writings continue to stand as a witness of His everlasting love and promises to humanity. Due to the faithful diligence of a few, the written Word of God speaks to and transforms the hearts of humankind to this day. This week, we’ll talk about hearing the voice of God through His Word and through the practice of journaling.
And God Said
“The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63, NKJVIn the seventies and eighties, the stock brokerage firm E. F. Hutton aired television spots stating, “When E. F. Hutton talks, people listen.” In the commercials, the mere mention of the highly respected broker’s name in a noisy, crowded room brought every other conversation to a screeching halt as all ears turned to hear the words that would follow. Those listening expected to hear words they could rely on―words upon which they could act and from which their investments could profit.
The words “God said” and “Jesus said” appear in the New King James Bible 173 times. When you run across them, do you listen with expectation for the words that will follow―words from which you can profit as you put them into practice? All Scripture is God breathed, and every word He utters has an intended purpose (2 Timothy 3:16). God does not speak to hear the sound of His own voice. He speaks so that others will listen. He speaks to reveal Himself and to encourage, guide, and equip us for life.
If you have children—or have ever been a child—you know what it’s like for your words to go unheard. As parents, we sometimes feel that our children think we talk to hear our own heads roar. As children, we may feel that our parents think what we have to say isn’t important. Being heard is vital to all of us. When we know our words are heard, we feel valued and respected. When we respect and value God’s Word, we’ll listen attentively to what He has to say and put His words into practice.
God first spoke to man in the garden, and even though the Bible is complete, God hasn’t stopped talking. He has a lot more to say and invites us to converse with Him. God primarily speaks to us through Scripture, but He also reveals Himself through prayer, His creation, our circumstances, other believers, dreams and visions, and the still small voice of His Holy Spirit.
God does not speak to each of us the same way, nor does He speak to us the same way each time. The ways we hear Him are as creative as our God and as varied and unique as our personalities. But regardless of the way God chooses to reveal Himself, several things always remain constant: God’s spoken word never contradicts His written Word, and it always imparts life to our spirits and brings glory to God.
For me, journaling plays an important role in discerning God’s voice and receiving His words into my spirit. Drop by tomorrow as we consider the practice of journaling and the impact it can have on us.
In His Love,
Starr
