Welcome friends! Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to visit. If you found your way here through my P31 Encouragement for Today devotion, “Living in the Hear and Now,” I’m so glad you stopped by. I hope you’ll stay a while and make yourself comfortable.
One of my deepest desires is to be a woman who listens to God. But, I don’t always get it right. Sometimes I’m not sure if it’s God talking or just me thinking. Ever wondered that?
I also I admit, I’m not always crazy about what I sense God telling me to do. Yet I’ve learned over the years that when I listen to God, I discover His best for me. And I grow in my trust in Him.
I’ve seen again and again that His ways lead to His goodness. And when I follow Him, His mercy follows me.
As I shared in my devotion today, I went through a season of learning how to really listen closely so that I could experience a day by day abiding in God’s presence and plans. I thought I’d been listening to Him all along, but my prayers reflected that I wanted to know where to invest my efforts. In a still small voice God showed me that He wanted my ears more than my efforts.
He was more concerned about character than my calendar. I realized that many times I’d sought God for the larger plans in life, convinced that if I figured out what He wanted me to do I could become the person He created me to be.
Have you ever thought, “If only God would show me what job to take; what man to marry; what church to attend – then my life would be complete and I could serve Him with my whole heart”?
The problem is sometimes we get a glimpse of where He wants us to go and then assume we know how to get there. I’ve made that mistake many times and then wondered why I wasn’t getting anywhere.
Jesus depended on the Father for the large and fine print written in His life plan. He listened closely and obeyed quickly. John 5:19 reflects His absolute dependence: “The Son can do nothing by Himself; he can do only what He sees the Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son does also.”
Like Jesus, we will discover God’s purpose for our lives through dependent hearts that seek to listen to His. We will find out what’s on God’s calendar and part of our calling when we live in the hear and now – listening for His voice and obeying it each day, in every here and now.
Questions to Consider
- Do I read my Bible so that God’s words and ways are familiar to me?
- Do I intentionally listen for God’s voice or do I assume I know what He wants me to do?
- If God were to speak to me, would I recognize His voice?
- Is my mind so full of worries that my thoughts drown out the possibility of hearing God’s thoughts?
Steps to Take
- Take time now to quiet your heart and your thoughts.
- Be still and acknowledge that God is God and you are not.
- Tell God your desire to hear Him today and then ask Him to speak to your heart.
- Share with Him your plans for the day and then ask Him to show you His.
- Give God permission to interrupt your thoughts and agenda and lead you in a different direction if He wants to.
- Get ready for a day filled with adventure and companionship as you walk hand in hand with your Maker.
Verses to Ponder
1 Samuel 3:10, “The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
Psalm 119:16, “I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
John 14:31, “But the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me.”
Isaiah 55:2-3, “Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live….”
Isaiah 50:4, “The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.”
If you want to become a woman who listens to God, and discover the adventure of faith He has for your life, you will want to read Lysa TerKeurst’s book What Happens When Women Say Yes to God.
I’m giving a copy away to one of you this week! It’s one of my all time favorite books and it kept me inspired to keep my promise to God that I will live in the hear and now! To enter to win, click on the word “comments’ right below this post and share your thoughts or questions about listening to God. Please include your email so I can find you if you win. I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Anything. Just talk to me…I’m listening :0). I love reading what you have to say!
And be sure to come back tomorrow! I’ll be talking more about listening to God and offering a great free resource to help you discern His voice from your own. If you’re new, I want you to know there’s a place for you here and I’d love for you to join us! You can subscribe to updates via email in my sidebar, link up in the Google Friend Connect box or become a friend on Facebook!
What a great message. This is something that has really been on my mind lately. And part of the problem is, I am so busy, I feel I don't have time to listen. However, in making some time to listen, I have realized just how busy I am. So I am starting to get rid of so many rocks on my plate. In doing this there has been such a huge weight lifted off my shoulders and a feeelng of peace. So I know it is what God wanted for me to do. He has a plan for all of us. And right now I need to get rid of all these extras so I can focus on his true plan for me.
Something I read recently really hit home for me, "The need is not always the call." I could really use some extra guidance from Lysa's book.
thanks
[email protected]
I just picked up one of Lysa's books. I'm anxious to read. The one you are giving away is second on my list. Thank you for the chance to win.
[email protected]
Wow Renee your message really hit home with me! I need to work on this for sure. I would love to win the book.
Deborah
[email protected]
'…discover God’s purpose for our lives through dependent hearts that seek to listen to His'
I know God's purpose. It is to trust him, regardless of the circumstances. It is only when I truly trust that I can begin to hear what he is saying to me.
This article is an answer to my prayers , directly. I struggle discerning his voice over my own, which is my desire and which is His. What an awesome post Renee, thanks :). I will definitely be reading that book, whether I win or not, it is on my Christmas list 🙂 [email protected]
I want to hear God, I used to hear Him all the time…..I never thought I would get so out of touch with Him…but thankfully He is Faithful, He has chosen just the right time to reach me again. I love the way He works, even when I don't see it unfolding. I'm so glad He is always patient… These are just thoughts, they are pouring out of me in spurts, as I am watching my Dayhome children, so it is in the midst of their noise and laughter and 'a time out' that I am praising Our Lord, and thanking Him for letting me read you this morning!! Yes it is a confirmation. God Bless you, your marriage and your Family 🙂
One of my favorite things in my walk with the Lord is truly hearing that still, small voice. I love the "conversations" that I have with my Jesus, and there is no better listener, friend, advisor, and confidant.
I noticed recently that I am experiencing 'I thought I did everything or tried to my best abilities to do the way God would've wanted me to do this or that, so why am I not there yet? (as in dont have the desired result/achievement)'. I think it is along the line of what you mention in your blog where you say that you get a glimpse of what you think God wants you to do and then think you know how to get there. The more exact question that I have recently is 'what am I doing wrong?' (or am I Doing wrong something or it is just not the right time, etc etc). I actually had a sneak peak of that book, and it sounds great, I just cant seem to get a hold of a copy for now. But I think the book can teach us alot and help us understand God's doings even better.
~Marina
I want to hear God's voice so I pray that He will knock me upside the head to let me know it's Him talking. 🙂
I want to hear from God and i know in the busyness of my day times i lose His voice and start doing things my way thanks for this reminder God has been speaking to me personally about this very subjectt.
I simply LOVE this book, and I love you and Lysa both! You have been such a blessing to me this year…you have no idea! God is calling me to step outside of my box that is warm and comfy to do some bold works in His name, and it IS scary!! This is a great book to encourage you to be obedient, and the many blessings that will follow! Love to you both!!
Like many, I have a problem with getting quiet and still. I pray that I can hear God's voice and that I will listen. This is probably the hardest action of obedience for me.
I would sincerely love to own a copy of your book Renee….thank you for being so generous.
May you be blessed beyond your wildest dreams…
Sometimes its hard to hear God's voice and often I'm not really sure if what i hear is right….but we serve an awesome inspiring, gracious God and I'm thankful that we do!
Love Kathie
xoxo
I loved your devotional. I know there are times I feel God speaking to me (not audibly though), and would love to know that I'm always listening to Him. I know I don't always listen to Him any more than I always listen to my kids. I love the verse 'Be still, and know that I am God' I think I need to revel in the quiet moments, instead of filling them up with music, or tv, or something else.
Hi Renee,
YOur devotion and blog spoke directly to my heart. I've been wondering these last couple of months, not focusing on anything special. My relationship with the Lord has been greatly effected. And now my blessed Saviour and Friend uses your words to bring me home. The chorus from an old hymn came to mind as I read your posts. "Trust and obey, for there is no other way. To be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey."
Thank you! God Bless
Grace
First off, I just love reading your blog. It always offers inspiration and encourages me to walk faithfully with the Lord.
I am quick to listen to what God wants for my life and then I run with it- assuming that I can fill in the cracks and the details of how it should go and what I should do. I need to work on allowing God to continue speaking to me in the details – for there is where he dwells and shines bright!
Renee,
Sometimes, with all of the noise in our world, I have to just get away by myself to discern what He is telling me. Sometimes, I can hear His whisper; other times, I am uncertain as to whether I am really hearing His voice. I have learned one thing though–when peace follows, I keep following His lead.
I needed this right now. This is exactly what I am facing right now.
It is amazing how God works!
I frequently find myself wondering if its my thoughts or God's voice I hear.
Wow! Once again, God's timing is perfect. The devotional you wrote for Proverbs 31 today was good. Then when I got to your blog, it just got better! I often wonder if it is God I am hearing or just myself thinking. So many wonderful truths and inspiring questions. Keep up the good work!
Carrie
[email protected]
It's so good to know that I'm not the only one who wonders whether she is hearing from God or hearing what she wants to hear. I have a number of friends who know when they are hearing from the Lord and I struggle with the thought that I'm not as discerning as they are.
Sometimes I wonder, am I hearing God, or is this what I want to do? Is my thoughts and feelings being put before God. I struggle with wanting to hear God and do His will, but always seconding guessing if I am really doing HIs will or listening to myself.
I have trouble telling what is from God and what is my own thoughts too. I continue to pray that God would open my ears to hear Him and that I would respond to promptings of the Holy Spirit. I have failed so often but I have to keep reminding myself that there is no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus and I just continue to move forward; keep getting up when I fall. Because God loves me and He has a plan and purpose for my life.
I love this: "The problem is sometimes we get a glimpse of where He wants us to go and then assume we know how to get there." It really hit the nail on the head for me. Thanks so much for your words. jenni at momatwork dot net
This has hit me like a thunderbolt. In some ways I can hear God's voice, but have not tried to listen for the minute to minute leadings, which I really need right now. I have prayed so hard for the big things and now I realize I need to be listening for the small day to day leadings in which to be faithful. My life has changed so drastically this year that it is only God who will get me through. To be able to be faithful in the small moments when I am fearful and torn will, I know with God's help, lead me through this valley and help me to finally learn how to live with daily peace and joy.
I have had times in my life when I have heard clearly from God, I now realize that those are the times that I feel desperate so I fall completely on God. I need to fall on his grace at all times, then maybe I wouldn't end up in a situation that feels desperate. Lord give me hears to hear you and a heart to follow you at all times.
I find that I'm always crying out to the Lord and then attempting to discern his voice. Not an easy thing for me to do.
I am new to this whole listening thing and struggling immensely with it. My personal and professional parts of my life are seriously overshadowing everything right now. I am so very thankful that I found a great radio station, KLOVE, which in turn helped me to find you. This is certainly a process and not an overnight fix. I have hope that the future will begin to be shown to me so I know which direction to go. And instead of ruing things by taking them over, I follow God's plan. Thanks for your wonderful words. [email protected]
I would like to spend more time in God's word. I try to read my bible daily but I let the business of my life get in the way.
One thing I'm struggling with at the moment is listening to God and obeying what He says. My problem is that I think too much.
When I hear God speak, I somehow try to find a different or better way to do what He wants, or delay further by thinking about taking a different approach. By the time I actually come to doing what He wants, it's either too late, or the act doesn't have the same effect as it would have if I had obeyed there and then. I actually experienced this just this past weekend.
Thank you for the encouragement – I really needed it! My prayer for the moment is that I will obey the Lord's voice. ([email protected])
I believed with all of my heart God called me to write a certain kind of book to reach a target audience. I obeyed this calling with all of my heart & soul. The book turned out beautiful, many people have responded positively, and some doors that a stay-at-home mom like me thought wouldn't open have. The book released in April, but sales have not been what I, we, had anticipated. I had done EVERYTHING within my power, which was not much, to push it and get it out there. I read my bible daily and pray daily so I know my relationship w/our Father is strong. I made a choice every day to stay positive & motivated through this whole experience, but how does an unknown like me get taken seriously by anyone? I went into this with complete faith and would have given up several times had I not believed w/all of my being I was acting out of obedience to God's calling. Yesterday, I fell in the pit. I had received a discouraging email, and sales are almost nonexistent. I broke down and cried, praying to the Lord for answers. I began questioning if I had acted upon my will or His. I asked Him "What do you need me to do Lord?" And I heard, "Take care of your family and your house." "But Lord, I was so sure this is what you called me to do!" "And you have been obedient. Right now, take care of your family and house."
Your devotional confirmed that I heard Him right. I felt like if I would do as He said, the rest will fall as it should. It is in HIS hands and in HIS time. Thank you for being obedient & delivering the message many women, especially me, needed to hear! God bless you! ([email protected])
i don't really know if i've heard God. i ask Him things and ask for signs so that i will know what He wants or what he says but i don't know. i think i try to guess what he wants me to do. i will for sure be back tomorrow to hear mre from you. [email protected]
So many days I sit in the shower just yammering on and on to God, but truly I need to learn to listen. It is definitely a struggle as sometimes I am not sure how. Thank you for reminding us to use our gifts in all the things big and small.
[email protected]
I listen longingly to people talk about "hearing from God". I either do not hear His voice or He isn't talking to me. I'm fairly sure it's that I am not listening. I do not find enough quality time to be in the Word, life just always seems to push its way in. I do ask Him to speak to me, especially when I need guidance and direction. Maybe I just don't know what I'm supposed to be "listening" for. Maybe I am expecting something earth shattering and it is just a subtle push in the right direction. I am looking forward to reading the rest of what you have to say on this topic!
I read this book and it is amazing! As a matter of fact I actually listened to what I felt was God telling me to do the other day. I sent someone I have never met in person a gift because God told me to. I was sure she would think I was insane, but she was actually grateful and I think she felt very blessed. Had I not read Lysa's book, I don't believe I would have ever sent the gift. I am grateful that I did and that I listened to God! Your devotion today really inspired me and helped me to figure out why I have felt so displaced lately. I need to stop doing what I think should be done and start listening to what He wants me to do! Blessing to you!
I will continue to seek God because I do want to hear from Him. I find it easier to see His work in my life when I look back, and I know He is at work; I do long to hear from Him.
I'm glad I read Proverbs 31 today. I has been awhile since I've read the posts. Your words couldn't have come at a better time. I have been struggling how to spend my time Friday…get read for my daughters arrival from college or serve Thanksgiving dinner to the elderly in the inner city. I think your message answered my own question… or was it God talking to me?
Krys
I have often wondered if God's words are clear to me, or if I am imagining that I have heard Him at all. I know that looking back over my life, that His presence has left a trail of His "fingerprints", all during times of crisis! When I need Him most, He always shows me a direction – but when I am not seeking Him actively, I wonder what my next step should be without consulting Him first! My main mission is to get closer to Him and to KNOW that I have heard His voice. I have the feeling that second guessing is a part of the human condition. It is my prayer that I can overcome the human condition and become more spiritual on a daily basis!
Recently I joined a woman's bible study, everyone started sharing stories of how God has spoke to them, things he has said and requests he has made. As we were going around the room I started thinking of times when and if God has spoken to me, I didn't have a story, I couldn't think of a definate time in my life were I felt God speaking to me. I told the girls of this and they shared with me that I need to start praying that God reveals himself to me, that I'm able to hear him when he speaks. So I have, and I have started hearing him, not his voice but I've noticed that he speaks to me in other ways such as when I'm listening to the christian radio station, or reading my bible. Its amazing to me just how when I finally stopped obessing about it God revealed himself to me.
I have had days, weeks, even months of feeling as if I am struggling to hear our Maker. God has always had a hand in my life, I have seen evidence of that fact! But, I sometimes wonder if I hear myself thinking, or if I am hearing His voice within the depths of my soul. I have been praying for a closer walk with Him, in order for me to hear Him more effectively!
I constantly try to plan my life and keep thinking that if God would just tell me what I'm supposed to do, everything will be fine. I am slowly learning that He simply desires a relationship with me, and the more I study and read the Bible, the more I start to truly believe and understand that truth. This is a learning process for me and I have to ask Him to renew my mind daily. Thank you for reminding me that He wants me to live in the "hear and now" and not worry about what "plans" He has in store for me!
I read your Proverbs 31 devotional today on my phone while having lunch.
And it was exactly what I needed today because I'm in the middle of making an important decision regarding ministry and I really want to make sure that it is his voice and not mine the one I hear.
So, thanks so much for sharing all that. Looking forward to the rest tomorrow!
Thank you for this devotion. It was very timely for me. What a surprise, huh? I am struggling with learning to stop and listen and trust God. And wait, the waiting and being still seems to be what is most hard for me. I am so thankful that my Lord and Savior is so very patient with me.
Hey Renee! Thank you so much for this post…One of my all time favorite chapters in the Bible is John 20 when Jesus appears to Mary after He has risen from the dead. She does not recognize Him until he calls her name…."Jesus said to her, Mary. She turned toward Him and cried out in Aramaic "Rabboni!" (which means teacher.)" Oh, how my soul soars every time I read that verse!! The Master, her Lord, calls her by name and she knows that voice. Can you just imagine the joy she felt in the recognition!! She heard, and it changed her life!!
Ah…it is hard to discern what is from God when I don't take the time to be quiet with him. From the moment I wake up there is "busy-ness" and noise. I hate making decisions since I want to please God, but still am selfish. My husband just told me last night that I tend to "over-spiritualize" all of my decisions. Sigh…
I talk to God and ask that He speak to me through someone I know if it need be. Sometimes I find Him using others to bring me the wisdom I seek after. They don't even realize what they have said that meant so much to me, but I know who laid it on their heart. God is so good, I love when He shows Himself strong to me, not just in blessings, but in love to others, and encouragement from His Word. I hear God's voice everywhere I look, He is my creator, my father, my lover and my best friend.
I struggle with "listening" to God, because I have a hard time figuring out if it is really Him speaking to my heart softly, or if it is just my own thoughts??? How do you discern between the two? My thoughts are constantly on Him, and things above this world. I just keep praying and asking Him to speak to my heart and let me know it is Him and not my own thoughts, I guess He is waiting for me to listen to Him!
I believe the hardest thing for me to do is to give God the actually time to speak. Before marriage and doing my masters it was my favorite thing, I would go for a walk or sit by the water and just listen. And then 'somehow' as life got busier when I would stop to listen my to-do list would fill my mind instead. Now I am married, with a spirited toddler and baby number 2 due in a couple months and it continues to be a challenge to give God the time to speak. I mean I give time to prepare a healthy meal for my family, to read all the parenting books to help my son and I make time to go to our women's bible study for fellowship and encouragement. And I guard all these things like a mother bear, and yet what I also need to do is fiercely guard my time with God. I need to set up a time with Him like I do a date with my husband or a playdate for my son. I need to put it on the calender, and not cancel last minute. I need to realize and remember that He is waiting for me, but I need to show up.
Thank you for the devotion. I learned from the words you wrote. It reminded me to be faithful in the "small" things (such as organizing a closet). God wants my obedience so much and I need to be listening so that I can obey.
[email protected]
I am encouraged, challenged and blessed by your post. I find that believe that I hear from God and then question or overthink what He says. I struggle then get distrated by analysis paralysis. I pray for God's wisdom, discernment and insight.