I forget all the time that God is listening.
“Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD gave attention and heard it and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and esteem His name.” Malachi 3:16
Those who feared the Lord spoke to each other. And the Lord GAVE attention to them. Even more, He wrote it down in His memory book!
The Lord is near. He’s watching. Listening. I know it feels and seems at times like God is far off, distant, not answering, but the scripture is clear, the Lord is near to those who call upon Him in truth.
Sure, we must be true believers. We must believe in Him. We must believe He’s good, He’s love and He’s who He says He is. So work on that if you’re struggling, but otherwise, pick up our faith, lift your head and KNOW God is drawing near to hear your conversations.
For me, lately, that means shutting my mouth. As I realized today God hears me, I was in awe of how stupid I can be with my words. Evil even. I’m a venter. I have to work out my emotions or disappointments by… talking.
But what exactly is that getting me? Nothing. Only the negative emotions in my heart coming out of my mouth with the life form of words, then boomeranging back into my heart and creating a vortex of bad seeds that dig deep. I can’t let go of what’s bothering me because I keep talking about it!
I was worshipping at the piano today, kind of giving this deal to God in song and I came up with a country lyric! I know! Shock and amaze. “What can I do, how can I let go, when letting go won’t let go of me.”
The answer is letting go to Jesus. Covering it in the blood of the Cross. The blood that stains is the blood that cleans.
This notion of God listening hit me today when I mused back over our recent move. In February or March, I said to Hubby, “Gee, I hope our best days in ministry aren’t behind us. Like what happened in youth church in the ’90s was it.”
“Oh, please, I hope not,” he said.
Truly, could our best days in ministry be behind us? We had a mini move of God in the ’90s followed by some serious years with some serious worship and serious kids. It was awesome.
Was that all, God?
Then in March our friends announce they’re heading back to Pixar. I loved their house so I whispered to God one Monday, “Lord, if there’s anyway we could get that house, please do it.”
I knew we couldn’t afford it, but I knew God could.
On Thursday, four short days later, our friend calls. “Hey, let’s talk house.” I blogged about it already, so I won’t rehash the details.
On Friday, Hubby and I went down to Ft. Pierce to hear a man we know share some things God was showing him. It was a small intimate setting. Even so, the man did not know we were coming. We knew him, barely, and hadn’t seen him in many years.
At the end of his sharing he began speaking to Hubs, exhorting him in the Lord FROM the Lord. In the middle he said, “The best is not in the past.”
Saturday night we met with our friends to talk about the house.
It’s no accident to me that the house prayer and the “best is not in the past” exhortation were answered the same week. God even answered us with our very words.
“I’m listening!”
Beloved, we may go months or weeks, sadly years, without such a kiss from the Lord, but we must continue to press in to hear His voice. He’s not far off. He’s not distant. He’s very near. He does hear.
“Be still,” Isaiah writes, “and know that I’m God.”
Comments 4
Rachel, thanks for sharing with such transparency. I love the thought that God is listening in on my conversations, even the whispered prayers that only He can really hear. How wonderful to be reminded that He answers, often in unexpected ways, offering hope and encouragement when we stop to listen to His response. I love hearing your insights! Thanks for sharing!
I have no doubt about that. God may not be seen with our naked eye, but have faith that He would always hear everything you’d say.
This is an awesome post and very timely for me.
Several hours ago my husband and I had a conversation about whether our best years of ministry had already happened. And then, while catching up on our dear friend Tami Heim’s tweets I felt led to read this post.
Imagine that. I don’t believe that I just happened upon this. God was and is listening and sent me here for additional confirmation!
Melinda, how awesome is God! So glad this post provided confirmation!
So true, Jeff!
Jeanne, thanks for stopping by!