Feb 3 - Psalm 65:2

O you who answer prayer!

Psalm 65:2

Is this how you see God?

Or do you too often find God to be silent? Distant?

I have people ask me all the time how to hear God. Sometimes it is an intellectual question. Most times it is a desperate plea. They need to hear God. They are hurting. They are tired. They need help. And yet heaven seems silent. "How do you hear God?"

When we say the phrase "hear God," most of us want to hear an audible voice, like many of the prophets once heard. I've known a few who do hear that voice. But it is rare! Maybe three times in their lives. And often answer questions, like, "What if you tried it Jesus his way?"

So if we can't depend on hearing an audible voice, how do we "hear God"?

The clearest way is by reading his word. And not just in a moment of trial! We need to read his word, and read his word, and read his word ... until it is part of our fiber and being. Why? Because God's word is gods voice. And until we know intimately through his word how God acts and thinks and moves and cares and prioritizes, we can't begin to know God's will.

If we want to hear God, we need to spend time with God in his word. We need to internalize his statutes and commandments. We need to value what he values. We need to reject what he abhors.

It takes time to hear God through his word… and we best not wait until the time of trial to start searching for an immediate answer.

The next thing we need to do is to sit. And sit. And sit. The Holy Spirit does move. He speaks into our lives. It is usually through a gut feeling, a compulsion to act (or not act).

But there is a problem here. My gut – my flesh – often wants very human things. Generally, I want to do what I want to do. So how do I know if it is God speaking, or my human flesh wishing?! That is where all of the Bible reading comes in. We can hold up what we are "hearing" to the standards of Scripture. If it is godly, proceed. If it is dubious, don't proceed. And if you are not sure, talk to honorable Christian friends. Don't go searching until you find the opinion that you want; find honorable friends who will speak the truth, even hard truths.

Perhaps one of the simplest ways to hear God – at least when making a decision – is through the principle of peace. The Holy Spirit often acts as part of our conscience. If we're honest, it's usually pretty clear what we should do – conscience-wise – if we are deciding between good and not good, honorable and evil. But what if we are deciding between two things that are both acceptable according to God's standards?

Have you ever been there? "Should I take "Job A" or should I take "Job B"?" "Should I go to the state college or the local university?" "Which is more prudent on my tight budget, keeping my failing car with all its repair bills or trading it in for the guaranteed payments on a newer one?"

Have you ever been there? You've made the list of pros and cons. You've consulted godly friends. You've heard wise advice for both options. Both choices are reasonable – acceptable within God's general will. So what do you do?

Here is where the "principle of peace" comes into play. If you are choosing between two acceptable options, it is fair and godly to ask: "Which one is bringing me the most peace?" Colossians 3:15 admonishes us to "let the peace of Christ rule (referee, serve as an umpire) in our hearts."

In Christ's Love,

a guy who chases peace

(God's peace, not my preferences)