Saturday, April 09, 2011

Hearing God

I have been thinking about this topic a lot, lately. I'm sure it is a topic that most Christians struggle with. In the last year or so, especially, I have struggled with what it means to hear God.

What are the different ways God can speak to us? After reading through some stories in the Bible, this is what I came up with: Through his actual voice, Through others, Through our heart and convinctions, dreams and visions, the Word, and in some cases, through angels.

There are some people who say that they hear God's voice, very clearly. That is awesome, but I'm not one of those people. When I pray for something specific, I end up overanalyzing everything, wondering if that's what God is using to speak to me.

For the most part, I think I rely on the convictions I feel about the situation. I also rely heavily on my friends. Although, if you ask some of them, I don't listen to them very often, either. ;) Then comes the ageless question, How do you know if that's what you want or what God wants? For example, I know exactly how my heart feels about some career and personal situations I have been praying about. Does that mean God has answered my questions in those areas? Not necessarily. Sometimes, it feels like God has spoken to me about something, and then something happens to change the situation, and I have to start all over.

What I desire, more than anything, is to glorify God with every decision, relationship or situation in my life. Because of this, I want to make sure that my decisions are God decisions, not Christal decisions. Unfortunately, it's not always that easy, right?

What I have learned, is that finding out what God's will is involves some risk taking. If you are willing to take a risk, and then God shuts the door or adds another door, that may be the way he answers. I have also learned that God may not want you to continue taking that risk if it is continually hurtful or if it creates situations that are not glorifying to Him. Where is that line drawn? Another answer I don't have. :)

So do I have an answer to my original question? Not at all, and luckily, I don't think anyone does...so I'm not the only one. All I can do it continue to give my life to God, and make sure I am taking the time to listen. Luckily, for us, God already knows what is going to happen, so we don't have control over anything, anyways...although we like to think we do! :)

1 Chronicles 16:10-11
10 Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
11 Look to the LORD and his strength;
seek his face always.

How do you hear God?