Day 5 - Expecting to Hear

[MandoRon]

Good morning, and welcome to Friday.

Today's lesson is all about listening. Making time to listen for God's voice. Making space in the noise for God to speak to you.

(Honestly, I don't think I can listen at the moment. My son is up and watching cartoons, so I'm going to do today's lesson tonight after work. Just too many distractions to be able to really focus on God right now and have a "quiet time".)

As you reflect on Psalm 23, what is God saying to you?

When you cut out the noise and expectantly listened for that still small voice, what God did say to you today?

[RuthABraun]

There are times when I pray that I don't feel like I'm really getting beyond the ceiling. When that happens, I realize that it's my heart that's the problem, not God. So, I put on my headphones and play some worship music, which helps me to clear out my head and focus. This morning was one of those mornings, but something profound happened. After reading Psalm 46:10 I put on Steven Curtis Chapman's "Be Still and Know". In about 3 seconds I was reduced to tears, just basking in the Lord's presence. (this is normal -- now here's the profound part) The music ended, and in the silence, with my headphones still blocking out the noise around me, God spoke. He waited until my heart was in the right "posture" and everything but Him was pushed aside. I have become so attuned to listening for Him thru music that I forget what His voice sounds like. Matt Redman said it well -- "when the music fades, all is stripped away..."

God, show me how to focus on hearing Your voice, not just Your words spoken by others. What a difference between hearing someone tell me that You love me and hearing You say it to me! your voice is the voice of truth, the one to listen to and obey.

[Wannabe a Worshiper]

Today has been frustrating for me, because I did the exercises in the book early this morning, and didn't hear God speak. Then all day, I had on my mind about my Grandkids Great Dane dog dying, and that pretty much blocked my seeking God out.
The only word I think I have heard was to not be discouraged.
The problem I'm facing is that I don't know if it is God, or if my mind is just conjuring up something. I haven't listened to God's voice enough to know what He sounds like.

A few minutes ago I went to my Facebook page, and a friend I have never met had loaded a video, "Stop the World," by Matthew West. It was exactly what I needed to hear. I would recommend it as the song of the day for us. You can find it on Youtube.

I did find the exercise we did on the 23rd Psalm to be very helpful. I will begin using that method in my private worship.

One other thing; I agree with what RuthABraun said about music being the best way to get into God's presence, to that place where we need to be.

[Rogenia]

I have been eating so many meals lately and my platter has been so full; until I can not remember what the meals were or what they taste like. God has simple said that I need to spend more quality time with him and then and only then will I hear from heaven. I have ask him some things and been waiting on some answers. I have so much going on right now and so busy (working the in the vineyard, needing some help); until I have been rushing and not saturating myself in the Lord.

[Wrapped in Jesus Love!]

I tried to do what was asked of us in todays lesson. I was doing fine, til about half way through. Then the pain from my medical problem took over and I was pretty much done. I went back to the lesson a couple of times, so I ended up having an interrupted devotion. But I did hear God speak. He told me that the church where I am the Music Director is right where he wants me to be at this time in my life. And he told me that it's okay to have interrupted devotions - as long as I continue to come back to him.

I really enjoyed Days 3, 4 & 5 from this week. I am okay with the fact that I didn't master it all and feel like I have a long way to go with everything in these three readings. There was so much information that I can't be expected to have mastered it. There were many good ideas pointed out to help turn my focus on God - for me to hear his voice - and for me to respond to his voice. These are things I will continue to read over and continue to work on until it becomes natural for me.

Thank you God for resources like Pure Praise, for wisdom from people like Dwayne Moore, and for fellowship and comments from all the people in this Bible Study. I thank you that you always put me right where you want me to be.