God Speaking

“Hear O, Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.”

(Psalm 86: 1)

My husband and I have finally reached that age where role reversal is taking place in our family.  We have, up until now, always accepted our role as being the ones who take care of the rest of our brood, doing the worrying, making sure everyone is progressing safely through life, etc., but lately subtle little signs are making us realise that times are a-changing! The first sign came when we received a smart phone with strict instructions to carry it with us whenever we ventured out so the rest of the family could check on us. We were very touched at their concern, but a bit dismayed that these younger ones were taking over our former job of being the ones who did the worrying!  We learnt a big lesson a few weeks ago, about smart phones and being responsible seniors.

Smart phones need to be turned on for one to be able to hear the message.

We learned this after we had decided not to go home after church, straight away, but to have a coffee and walk slowly home, unaware that the family were very concerned about not being able to find out where we were because they could not contact us. Lesson learnt!

Of course we are all are like David who cries out to the Lord, demanding that the Lord answers him, but we are also aware that one must listen for the answer to be given. In our very busy, stress filled lives we often cry out to God, but forget to actually stop and spend time waiting for the answer. God has a good message for us

“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46: 10)

Our pastor had a sweet, but very pertinent story about a little girl who was sending her mother crazy by constantly moving and jumping around the room until her mother made her sit still to calm her down. The little girl obeyed, but then quickly added, “I am still jumping inside myself.”

We are a bit like that little girl.  We want to wait upon the Lord and spend time quietly listening to his answers, but all those pressing needs intrude upon our minds we keep thinking of the many tasks awaiting us and on the surface we may think we are listening, but inside we are far from taking in what the Lord wants us to hear. (A bit like our lesson with the smart phone we need to be turned on to hear)

Answers from the Lord often come through his word, but again we have to turn on(open) his words to hear the message;

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.” (Psalm 130: 5)

One of my favourite verses to read when I am crying out to the Lord is in the book of Isaiah, but again the emphasis is on opening our ears to hear those words of guidance.  Be ready to listen!

“Whether you turn to the right or the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it.”” (Isaiah 30: 21)