Listening for God's Voice

 

Romans 5:5 tells us, “And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

If we allow Him to, the Lord will use everyday things to speak His words of wisdom to our hearts. Once while I was cooking my favorite soup, He gave me a wonderful illustration to ponder. You see, the world is suffering through many illnesses lately: COVID, cancer, stomach viruses, allergies, colds, flu, and more. When illnesses like these surround us, it is more than enough reason to cook a big pot of life-giving chicken soup. Chicken soup is full of flavorful, healing components, but only if it is the real thing. It needs to be made from the whole chicken with lots of fresh vegetables and herbs.

However, when you have a sore throat it is hard to eat anything. Sipping smooth, warm soup broth is nourishing but please, no chicken and veggies because they will irritate an already swollen throat.

Once the broth is done cooking, you must pour the soup through a strainer so all of the vegetables and chunky pieces of the chicken are held back. Only the shimmery liquid passes through. With it goes all of the vitamins, minerals, and probiotics: the healing components.

The Voice of God

Sometimes lives can be sore and irritated. Sometimes things won’t go the way we plan or purpose. Kids will get sick and plans will be delayed. Obstacles will come and we must choose how we will react. We can either chew on those seemingly appealing bits of chicken and carrots (emotions, flesh, peer pressure, and judgment) that cause further irritation or we can sip on what brings life.

Of course there are times when we might want to whine or complain, but after hearing what God whispered to me I decided to rest in His peace instead. We need to turn to the nourishment that comes from the hearing the voice of God.

The Filter of the Hold Spirit

What God whispered to my spirit while straining that soup is this: Every decision we make goes through a filter. We call that filter the Holy Spirit.

Jesus says, “But the water I give them takes away thirst altogether. It becomes a perpetual spring within them, giving them eternal life.” John 4:14

Hearing from God through Scriptures

“If you believe in me, come and drink! For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water will flow out from within.” John 7:38

When you use the Scriptures as a filter for all of your decisions, you receive life. Just like when a mother makes life-giving soup for her sweet babes, our Father in heaven offers us life-giving water that nourishes and quenches. We have the gift of the Word of God—thanks be to God!

RESPOND:

Dear Lord, please help me to walk forward in Your Holy Spirit and dedicated to the Word of God—Your voice. Please speak to my heart and remind me to filter all things through your Holy Spirit. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

Creating a Beautiful Life by Elizabeth George

Creating a Beautiful Life by Elizabeth George—Each new day presents opportunities to grow your faith, manage your work and goals, and make good use of the time God gives you. This book for busy women will help you create a more beautiful and productive life.

REFLECT:

What am I listening to besides the Holy Spirit?

REMEMBER:

We have the gift of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.


1 Response

Judith
Judith

August 22, 2024

This article is uplifting and very encouraging for me to keep on reading the bible.

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Jim and Elizabeth George

Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:

  • Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
  • Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
  • Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
  • Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
  • Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
  • Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Learn more about Jim and Elizabeth George here.

Jim and Elizabeth George

Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:

  • Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
  • Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
  • Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
  • Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
  • Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
  • Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Learn more about Jim and Elizabeth George here.


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