Are We Listening? - Melissa Doerksen

Years back, I heard a pastor say if we ever hear the audible voice of God, we’ll know we’re really in trouble, or we had better stand straight up and not miss a word!

While it’s true that most of us will never hear an actual thundering voice from the heavens, we would be wise to listen for God’s voice in all our circumstances, as He does speak to us in a variety of ways, if we choose to slow down and listen. Our humanity is prone to ramble on with our requests and even praise items, and then be on our way.

Over a decade ago, my niece was enthralled with the topic of ‘listening prayer’ which ultimately motivated me to pay closer attention in my prayer life as well.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 ESV

We all know and can admit how life gets busy, loud, and distracting, but I have been learning slowly over the years, the true value of placing intentional time aside to be quiet before God, or in other words, to listen and not do all the talking.

“Be still, and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10 ESV

He is always listening, and ready for us to listen as well; we never need to doubt that. I am reminded of a ferociously windy summer afternoon, many years ago. I was beyond frustration and feeling defeated that day. Since I always feel extra close to God while out in nature, I decided in my distraught state to grab a lawn chair and head for the ‘back 40’ to talk to God freely, and hoped I would hear Him speak as well. I marched through the woods, angrily propping my chair against a huge oak tree. After releasing all my words and tears, which were whisked off in the wind, almost before I could sputter them out, I just sat there watching the towering trees thrashing about, all around me.

As if the powerful winds alone were not enough to speak to me of the Lord’s Presence, I had the audacity to cry out to Him, asking if He was there and listening to me. No sooner had my accusing questions escaped my lips, when out of nowhere, I received a sudden and sharp thud, right smack dab between my eyes. A large acorn had clearly hit its mark, with force, might I add!

Wow! Instantaneously, my woes and wailing were replaced by incredible laughter, truly a gift from God that washed over me in the form of relief and release all at the same time. The sting remained for a while as a reminder; however, my spirit was filled with joy and reassurance that my Father was indeed listening.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7 ESV

I am certainly not saying we’ll all have an item flung into our faces, and if so, hopefully only an acorn to wake us up. I can attest to God’s sense of humour in this scenario, for sure!

Are we truly listening though? He speaks in a multitude of ways, and desires to communicate in our relationship with Him, and it should be a two-way conversation. A few of those are through His Word, during prayer, through worship and songs, events, even signs and billboards, through other people and prophesy, and in those quiet times we experience, He uses that still small voice directly into our soul and spirit. How amazing when we pay attention!

I know full well how difficult it can be with our busy schedules, and naturally God can speak to us anywhere and anytime, even through the loudness. However, I encourage all of us to carve out a quiet time on a regular basis, to curl up on our Father’s lap, and bask in the peace found there, and to simply delight in listening to Him, as we converse. His desire is for communication with His Children; to convey His love for us, provide discernment, and to direct us in all our ways!

“In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:6 ESV    

Melissa lives near Sarto with her husband on their ‘hobby farm’ which includes horses, dogs, and way too many cats!  She has three grown children, and a precious granddaughter. Still working almost full-time as a Jr Accountant, she enjoys to write and journal when time permits, with her heart’s desire to inspire and encourage others through her words. She longs for everyone to know the Lord, and to cultivate a loving relationship with Him.