"It's hard to hear God's voice when you've already decided what you want Him to say." -TobyMac, Speak Life
That hits the nail on the head, doesn't it? We know just enough about God to determine that we know his mind. We find a verse here or there that we like, so we memorize it and cling to it. There is so much more in His Word for us to learn.
All memory work is important and valuable as we write His word on our hearts, but we cannot pick or choose. One of my favorite things is to look for the many times Old Testament mysteries are unlocked in the New Testament through Jesus. It feels like a treasure hunt.
The quote reminded me of Samuel's first time experiencing God speaking directly to him.
"Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place." And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” Then the Lord said to Samuel, “Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle." - Samuel 3:9-11
God spoke, Samuel was confused. He thought it was his teacher and mentor calling him. Eli helped Samuel learn to listen. Prayer is when we most often hear God speak. A sleepless night might be an invitation to talk to Him. I love praying in the stillness of the dark night in my cozy bed.
It amazes me how God can speak to me through WCIC, a local Christian music station. The song... or the dialogue... may be exactly how He gets my attention. He sends his love, corrections, and even challenges, but I have to listen.
Today, I am grateful God still speaks.
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