31 Days: Listening to the still small voice

Here’s part of a journal entry I came across the other day. Although it was nearly 20 years ago, I still remember this as a significant moment in my spiritual journey. In need of some rest and refreshment, I had taken a week off to get away by myself. This entry came towards the end of that week. It was good to read it again, fresh on the page. Even back then God was speaking to me about listening.

10 August 1995

I lay under a huge old gum tree today, finally willing and quiet enough to hear that still small voice. As I stared up at the huge branches I heard God speaking to me, reminding me gently of some fundamental truths that I’d lost sight of.

It’s not about becoming more spiritual or doing the right thing but about developing a relationship with God, coming to know God as Father, Jesus as brother and friend (as well as Saviour and Lord), and the Holy Spirit as Comforter and Guide (I know that’s a very limited description).

It takes time to get to know someone really well – and so it is with God. I need to make opportunities to spend time with Him; especially to stop and listen.

 And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.
(I Kings 19:11-12)

This is Day 24 of the series 31 Days to Listen.

When listening is the way to His heart

The God-whisper:

Learn how to listen.
Make time to listen.
Be intentional about listening.
Give honour and respect, don’t bring your own agenda.
This is not just about getting instructions for the next thing to do.
This is about relationship, knowing, intimacy.
This is about heart-sharing.
This is about transformation.

That was over two years ago. I was asking the Lord how to foster a more intimate relationship with him. Slowly, I’ve been learning; inclining my ear towards him.

And still He whispers, “Listen.”

The truth is that while there have been wonderful moments of listening and receiving, I’ve also been dodging and weaving, ducking and diving.

I want to share my heart with you, but you need to listen.

The truth is that I haven’t trusted his heart for me. I’ve too often tightened my grip on my own agenda. And I’ve been afraid of what I might hear.

The truth is that his love is unfailing.
His faithfulness is unwavering.
His grace and mercy are unmatched.
His gentleness is unsurpassed.

And I am his beloved.

“Listen.”

An intimate relationship is only possible if I will listen. This is the path set before me. The invitation.

As we enter into a new year, this is the path I choose. To listen to his word, his voice, his heart, his creation.

I want to find out what happens when my first priority is to listen.

What is God whispering to you?

Image sourced here.