Can you imagine a parent who listened to His child, but never said anything in return? … never uttered a single word to encourage, discipline, console, or even just to acknowledge to that child that his or her words had been heard?
Or imagine a relationship in which a parent is speaking, but the child cannot hear or understand what is being said.
What kind of relationship could you possibly have with someone if communication is only one-way?
God is our perfect parent; He deeply desires communication with us; 2-way communication. A deep, interpersonal relationship in which He guides, encourages, disciplines, and reassures us.
God speaks to everyone, on a regular basis. That doesn’t mean He speaks to each person in the same way. I speak to each of my children differently because each child is different and responds best to a certain style of communication. Likewise, each of them has a unique way of communicating with me.
My daughter is very inquisitive and open; she asks a lot of questions, and always desires complete truth and lots of detail. My oldest son, on the other hand, would sometimes prefer some things be left unsaid. Timing is everything with him; it takes the right moment to pull information and feelings from him, and words spoken to him – whether encouragement, information, or discipline - need to be carefully chosen. My youngest son, on the other hand, is all about action; say what you mean and mean what you say ... and be fully prepared to demonstrate it because talk is cheap.
My relationship with each of them is unique; my style of communication with each of them is unique. … Yet I love them all the same; infinitely more than they can imagine.
If you are not hearing from God, in a unique, personal way, is it possible you are not listening often enough?
I speak to my children consistently, throughout the day. Sometimes they are too busy – or are too sure they can do things without my help – to really listen to what it is I am saying.
The times when they genuinely seek my input, they typically always receive it – though sometimes not at the exact moment they ask for it, or would like it.
... God always provides the communication we seek; not always when we ask for it or would like it, but always at just the right moment.
Can you hear Him? Are you listening?
© I Lift My Voice, 2015.