- Proverbs 2:1–5 - My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
- 2 Timothy 3:16–17 - All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
- Psalm 46:10 - Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
God gives us various means to hear His voice and understand the work He is doing in our lives. Learning to listen to God is an essential part of following His will. He speaks to His children in various ways: Through the Scriptures. The Bible richly reveals who God is—His character, His promises, and His purposes. It is an invaluable resource that helps believers understand what God is like and learn to trust Him. As we read His Word, we can pay attention to how God shows us to apply it in our lives. Through prayer. God intended prayer not as a monologue in which we simply speak, but as a conversation. When we open our hearts to Him, we should not rush, but take time in silence to contemplate what He is showing us. Through circumstances. Throughout Scripture, the Lord has shown His ways to people through various life circumstances, and He continues to do so today. Circumstances change, but our God does not. Through others. Pastors, friends, and spiritual leaders can bring truth into our lives. The Lord places believers within a community so that they can encourage, counsel, and help one another. God uses all four of these means to reach His children and reveal His will to them, and often He uses two or more at the same time. Our responsibility is to be attentive—always remembering that any message from the Lord must be consistent with His Word.
Reflection
To which of the ways that God is using to guide you today do you need to be more attentive?
