God, Can You Hear Me?

"The Bible is a letter God has sent to us. Prayer is a letter we send to Him."   -Matthew Henry

How often do we turn to the inspiration found in Christ only to realize how long it has been since God has spoken to us through Him. What we truly want is to hear God for ourselves, namely, to hear Him speak today.

But, unless God speaks now it can be difficult to believe that He ever spoke at all. Some might even find it ridiculous to imagine that a revelation was proclaimed to men over many centuries, then stopped sometime around A.D.70, and have since heard nothing else.

Blessedly, He does speak to us today! It is by way of the Bible that we assess (check-out) and recognize the voice of God from all others. Yes, God speaks to us today, but we may not recognize His voice (Hebrews 1:1).

By saying this, I'm not denying that He speaks to us through perceptible (audible) means. or via dreams, visions, thoughts, and/or appearances. However, I think it's safe to assume that God doesn't speak to all of us in this manner.

So, how might we recognize the Voice of God when He speaks to us at the present time? God speaks to men in the highest morals and standards of the time. God speaks to men when their thoughts are provoked to higher concepts of truth. And, speaks through other individuals.

What each of us can do is listen for God's voice in our own personal lives. As long as God speaks to men and nations across time, He will speak to you and I. You might wonder, "Then, how will I know that He speaks to me?"

This is a fair question that many have asked. After all, we might speak to God in prayer, but we don't hear anything. This makes us wonder whether He is listening to us, or not. How would we know? (Job 33:14)

Here are a few things to consider that may help ease your mind. When prayer makes us better persons He has spoken. Whenever our conscience is aroused, our souls motivated, and we are inspired to a higher quality life, He has spoken (Hebrews 1:1-2).

It will become obvious, in that moment, that that His good and perfect gift has been sent down to us from above. Still, one might turn away at this point; when the finish line lies just ahead (Galatians 5:7-10). How sad and unfortunate for this person. For to reject this precious gift, is to surely reject God Himself.

Scripture: John 10:27-28; Romans 10:17; Isaiah 55:11; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Jeremiah 17:10

Prayer: "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."  - Galatians 2:20 (ESV)

God bless you!

Mary