I am a firm believer that God still speaks to us on a daily occurrence. Although I have never experienced him speak in a loud audible voice from the sky, a burning bush, or from talking animals like in Biblical times… I do hear him speak to me through a still small voice.
Yet too often I am too busy talking and telling him my plans and my problems and my ideas that I don’t sit and listen to what his plans are for my life.
I simply do not listen.
I compare my relationship to God with my relationship with my children. Me, as their Mom, have their best interest at heart. I establish boundaries and rules to keep them safe. I have plans for the day, week, month, year that are fun and exciting… and purely for their best interest.
Yet my children are too busy seeing the world through their eyes. Their inexperienced eyes. They push the boundaries and break the rules because they think those rules are boring, not fair or simply do not apply to them. They become impatient with the exciting plans and grow weary, thus losing complete interest and desire. They are more interested in the present, visible, here and now than what is/could be to come.
Often times I can see the inner struggle for me to get my children to listen. Them plugging their ears in protest with their tongue sticking out. Me red with rage and frustration at why won’t my children learn and understand that I know what is best for them!?
Listening.
Many times in my life, I have experienced that still small voice gently guiding me. Sometimes I listen. Most times I do not. I am too busy talking loudly and making my own plans to listen… To follow directions… To obey.
I want to hear, be lead by, and follow God’s voice. In order to hear and follow I must listen. I need to stop talking, complaining, and just be. still.
Kris @Krazy_Kris says
ahhh…. quieting enough to hear…
It is QUITE challenging in this noisy time.
Rumor has it, this thing called meditation can be a good tool.
If I ever get it figured out, I’ll let you know.
Eli M says
True…. Thanks for sharing
Alicia says
Such a great reminder of the importance of being quiet and still in the presence of God. Listening to God is essential. Great post!