Listening to hear

"Seeing many things, but you do not observe;

Opening the ears, but he does not hear"

Isaiah 42:20

 

As I read the story of young Samuel (1 Samuel 3: 1-10 from the Bible), I ponder both about this young boy's privelege for God to call him personally by name as well as the advice for discernment and response the elderly Eli gave the boy. As you might read on, the boy promptly and completely responded...and the rest as they say, is history!

I have my own turmoils in hearing, discerning and responding to God's voice.

Often, in times of life time decision making and sometimes even for little steps in life, I have sought to hear God's voice. He has directed me in choosing my career, life partner, place of work and even the nature and level (promotions!) within my career path. Mostly, I have found God speaking to me directly and personally through the Bible. There have been many instances during Bible study and prayer when verses have "popped out" and "hit me".

Occasionally, I have also heard God  through a series of situations pointing towards a certain direction, a good book, a sermon in church and even through suggestions of friends. 

My test for certainty about God's voice, has been the agreement on the issue or decision in question, with my partner in life. She has seconded my decisions; first by hearing independantly and then agreeing (mostly) or disagreeing (I can't remember the last time) about the step under consideration.

There is also a simpler test for day-to-day situations. The following poem by Susan Lenzkes has been my long term favourite, as it so simply sums up how a message from God can be heard.

"When a message from God, could clear the confusion.

He could write on the wall, or give an illusion.

But the message that's there is clear to be seen,

It's a simple crayon drawing I've yet got to clean.

Lord, help me believe I won't be receiving,

A miraculous sign wrought by believing,

When each day I see and yet don't apply,

Your message looking me straight in the eye!"

God's voice so often, is that nudge within us, of things that we simply know should be done...but keep on postponing and not doing! Nothing fancy, that requires apparitions in the clouds and lightning bolts from the sky. Just simple things in our day-to-day lives we know that we have to do, get done with or even done away with!

As we begin taking these steps of "obedience to the obvious", we become more tuned to God's radio frequency!

Here's Sarah, in her own hearing turmoil, supporting me with her song "Hello Lord!".