Be Quiet and Listen

 

Thought for Today -  September 16. 2023

Be Quiet and Listen! 

 By: Robert A. Searles

“The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.”  Ecc 9: 17
     While God is speaking to us, are  we really listening, or is the clamor and noise of this sin cursed world drowning out the voice of our loving heavenly Father who is trying to tell us of his love and mercy for his children?  If we really want to know what God is  saying to us, moment by moment, we must cease from our own noise making, and listen intently to the still small voice of God.

     We cheat ourselves of so much comfort and so many blessings when we  are so preoccupied with our own every day affairs, that we do not take the time to  get alone with God in our own secret hiding place and listen for the voice of God as he speaks to us by the various methods which he chooses.

     How does God speak to us?  God speaks to us first of all by his written word, the Holy scriptures.  In them, God tells us how the heavens and the earth came into being.  He tells us how  he made man and woman, and all the animals and creeping things of the earth for the use  and benefit of mankind.  He tells us how he hates sin, but loves the sinner.  He tells us that we all have sinned and come short of his glory, but that he is willing to forgive and forget our sins.  He tells us how we may obtain that forgiveness and renewal of spirit and restoration of fellowship with himself.

     In the written word, God also assures us that every word written in the scriptures are true and given by his Holy Spirit to his chosen prophets and historians who would be faithful men and women to record his words for all future generations to come.
     “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
 righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16
     “We have also a more sure  word of prophesy; where unto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto  a light that shinneth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your heart; knowing this first that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:19- 21 

     In the Holy Scriptures, God relates to us the history of his chosen people, Israel, from Abraham down through the centuries to the present generations.  He speaks to us of the promises he has made to his chosen ones.  He show us all the trials and tribulations that his people have experienced because of their  sins and rebellion and turning their back on  him and worshiping idols. Through the history of his people Israel, he warns all of us of what can become of rebellious nations who  forget God and turn to idols; but he also reveals to us his great love and mercy when men and women repent and turn back to him.

     In the written word, God is speaking to us to show us the way back from our sinfulness and rebellion  by receiving his son as the perfect sacrifice for our sin.  He tells us that: Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, that he was buried and rose again the third day, according to the scriptures, and is now in heaven interceding for  all of us who will believe  and receive him, and we are promised that he is coming again to receive his children to himself and establish his kingdom on earth.
In the written word, God offers us comfort and rest when we are tired and weary, and peace when we have turmoil in our soul.

God also speaks to us through the living Word, the Lord Jesus Christ.
     “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  The same was in the beginning with God.All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.,  In him was the life, and the life was  the light of men. And the light shinneth in the darkness, and the darkness  comprehended it not.” John 1: 1-5 

     God is spirit.  The bible says that no one has seen God at any time, but the son of God has revealed him. Christ  came into the world not only to die for the sins of  the world, but also to reveal God the Father to the world.   Jesus said:  “if you have seen me you have seen the Father. I and the Father  are one.”
     God the Father, speaking through his son, the Lord  Jesus Christ, spoke to his disciples in the language of  men, in an audible voice which they could understand, and record his message to all mankind through the gospels.  Jesus, while on earth, spoke many words of wisdom and instruction to his apostles and disciples, to which we ought to listen intently and pay the most earnest heed.  Do we read and study the gospels and quietly listen to the words of Jesus, and make them a part of our very being as was intended by God?

God also speaks to us through his indwelling Holy Spirit in the heart and mind of every born again child of his. When Jesus ascended into heaven he promised, that when he went away, he would send another comforter, to be a constant companion, interpreter of the wordof God, instructor and guardian of   his redeemed,God has so much for us to know of him, so much to enjoy and be blessed by him.  God speaks in a still small voice, and in order to hear what he is saying, we must quietly listen.  We must stop our ears, at least for a little while from all the  noise of the world, and the noise within  our own soul.  Arise in the morning and behold the majesty of a gorgeous sunrise, and allow the sunrise of the love of God to arise in your own soul.  Stop and smell the fragrance of the rose, and enjoy the peace and tranquility of a beautiful sunset, and know that with  God all is well, and it is well with your soul.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Psalm 26:7