Finding Hope: Come Near and Listen

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S7E15 - Come Near And Listen

Talking with God has many nuances.
√   It can be joyfully relational.
√   It can be hard to make happen because of busyness.
√   It can make me feel unsure of myself.
√   It can be a process of excessive honor.
√   Too often it only happens when my “me” trigger is active.

Solomon teaches us some interesting things about drawing near to God.

           “Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few. For the dream comes through much effort and the voice of a fool through many words.”  Ecclesiastes 5:1-3

          “When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow! It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. Do not let your speech cause you to sin and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and destroy the work of your hands? For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God.”  Ecclesiastes 5:4-7

We are taught that in Jesus God has come near.

         “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.  Isaiah 7:14

          “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the dominion will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”  Isaiah 9:6

So, following God for any human being is transactional. He extends His grace to all who believe he or she are spiritual beggars (Matthew 5). He gave His Son to overcome the chasm of sin. We believe and choose to honor Him with how we live our lives. His Word is given to us to help sort this out within each of our stories. The reward is to stand before Him one day and hear the words “well done.”

Hearing God’s voice is interestingly personal and often unquantifiable, and rarely transferable. It is a personal journey. It is all about the process of connection (faith). We have His inspired word to quantify this and give it parameters and meaning. When faith expands honor for God and comfort for our souls advances into our lives “buying back” what has been lost. Wow.

Listening and learning with you,
Dave and Burnadette

More:
A Listening Heart
The Garden Song